Over forty thousand art enthusiasts anticipated to gather at the 'Rustic Cultural Festivity' - Anticipated participation of 40,000 art enthusiasts at the "Cultural Land Celebration" event
Art Lovers Gather in Wendland for the "Cultural Countryside Party"
The 36th iteration of the "Cultural Countryside Party" (KLP) is set to welcome approximately forty thousand art enthusiasts to the distant Wendland region from Ascension to Pentecost. The event, which has consistently been political in nature according to organizers, will touch upon current societal developments with the theme, "Solidarity. Diverse. Standing Up Against the Right!".
Despite this year's focus, the district of Lüchow-Dannenberg remains vulnerable to the presence of far-right elements. Such groups, including citizens, hooligans, and settler families, are reportedly acquiring farms in the area, according to the guidebook for the numerous actions planned. The KLP's roots trace back to the anti-nuclear movement and protests against a nuclear waste repository in Gorleben. Nevertheless, the Wendland region has historically leaned conservative, and in recent years, far-right settler families have begun to make a visible impact in schools, kindergartens, and fire departments, as documented by the organizers.
The twelfth-day event will feature an assortment of exhibitions, performances, and lectures on right-wing extremism. The comprehensive 320-page guidebook details the eighty-seven participating entities, with participants even receiving orders from Austria and Denmark. KLP spokeswoman Eva Bothe notes the significance of the event for local merchants, some reporting it to be more valuable than the Christmas business.
An etiquette guide for outsiders is included in the guidebook. Tips ranging from avoiding bicycle traffic on rural roads to refraining from littering cover the importance of respecting the continued day-to-day life and work, particularly in the agricultural sector.
In Gorleben, a citizens' initiative is calling for a political Friday (June 6) near the mine. The initiative aims to address concerns about the interim storage of the 113 highly radioactive Castor containers. The nuclear waste is expected to remain for another 80 to 100 years. The permit for the interim storage hall is set to expire in 2036, with the BI seeking improved protection of the hall.
In Lübeln's Rundlingsmuseum, the Wendlandleben agency, in collaboration with the nature park, is organizing a job fair for the region under the slogan "From Holiday to Life". Ideas and exchanges will be shared during the event.
The increase in exhibitor traffic over the years has led to a significant increase in vehicle traffic. A bike rental service for train travelers is available at select locations for ten euros per day.
KLP and Right-Wing ExtremismIn light of the local history of anti-nuclear activism and the references to a "Cultural Countryside Party," it is essential to clarify that the KLP is not a recognized political party. While it may have been used informally by local collectives or in protest actions, there is no evidence connecting the KLP to right-wing extremism. The Wendland region's identity is more defined by environmentalism, pacifism, and alternative lifestyles.
- The "Cultural Countryside Party" (KLP), despite its historical roots in the anti-nuclear movement, has no affiliation with right-wing extremism, as its identity is rooted in environmentalism, pacifism, and alternative lifestyles.
- As the KLP event in Wendland approaches, it is important to address the presence of far-right elements in the region. Contrary to misinformation, the KLP is not associated with right-wing extremism, focusing instead on issues like lifestyle, travel, politics, general-news, and art, as reflected in its exhibitions, performances, and lectures.
