Torgau leuchtet — Stadtfest

Three Days of Light Celebration in the Renaissance City

Torgau — a town in the district of Nordsachsen — is one of the most important Renaissance cities in Central Germany. Emperor Charles V arrived here in 1547 after the Battle of Mühlberg; here, Hartenfels Castle (built in 1485, the only completely preserved castle complex of the German Early Renaissance) is the city's landmark. The city festival "Torgau leuchtet" — held annually at the end of September — honors this cultural identity with a three-day festival of light and culture that showcases the historic city center, both during the day and especially in the evening.

The Light Parade — Saturday's Highlight

The highlight of "Torgau leuchtet" is the light parade on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Under the motto "From Torgau for Torgau", thousands of citizens march through the old town with lanterns, illuminated costumes, lit vehicles, and creative glow objects. Residents can register in advance by emailing [email protected] to participate. The light parade passes St. Mary's Church, the market square, and Hartenfels Castle — an extraordinary atmosphere is created against the monumental Renaissance backdrop.

Medieval Market, Culture Quarter, and Shopping Night

In the Hartenfels Castle courtyard, the medieval "Sündenfrei" market runs for all three days with artisans, musicians, showmen, and historical cuisine. The market square hosts the Ferris wheel offering a city view. The culture quarter around St. Mary's Church offers music, exhibitions, and interactive activities. A special event is the shadow theater production "Wenn Schatten flüstern" (When Shadows Whisper) by DAGADA e.V. on September 26/27 at 8 p.m. in the Apothekergarten — a dialogue-free play of movement, light, and presence. The Intercultural Mile on Sunday marks the conclusion of the Intercultural Week with music, dance, and cuisine from various cultures. The shopping night on Friday evening offers extended opening hours at 22 downtown retailers.

Saxony, Nordsachsen District, and Torgau

Torgau belongs to the Nordsachsen district and is located on the right bank of the Elbe River, about 50 km northeast of Leipzig. The city was first mentioned in 1119; its Renaissance old town is almost completely preserved architecturally and is a protected monument. Politically and culturally, Torgau is associated with the Lutheran Reformation, with the meeting of American and Soviet troops in 1945 ("Elbe Day"), and with GDR history (Torgau Closed Youth Correctional Facility). "Torgau leuchtet" — complemented by the city's well-known public transport recommendation of the S-Bahn — is one of the most important city festivals in Nordsachsen.