Throngs of Art Aficionados to Converge for the 'Countryside Cultural Carnival' Amidst 40,000 Anticipated Attendees - Art enthusiasts geared up for the attendance of approximately 40,000 individuals at the "Cultural Land Party" event.
Wendland's "Cultural Countryside Party" Expects 40,000 Art Enthusiasts Amid Political Tensions
The rural Wendland region in Lower Saxony will play host to the 36th "Cultural Countryside Party" (Kulturelle Landpartie or KLP), a significant cultural festival with strong political implications, from Ascension Day to Pentecost. The event, organizers explain, maintains its political undertones, with its motto this year reading "Solidary. Diverse. Standing up against the Right!" reflecting current societal developments.
In the district of Lüchow-Dannenberg, there have been growing concerns about far-right groups acquiring farmland, as highlighted in a guide for hundreds of actions, raising tensions. The KLP traces its roots to the anti-nuclear power movement and the resistance against the Gorleben nuclear waste repository in the region. Over time, Wendland has leaned conservative, but the emergence of self-proclaimed folkish settler families within schools, kindergartens, and fire departments has intensified, the organizers claim.
Throughout the event, visitors can expect various exhibits, performances, and lectures addressing right-wing extremism, as per the 320-page handbook detailing the 87 organizers. Backers of the KLP extend beyond Germany, with interest coming from Austria and Denmark, according to spokesperson Eva Bothe.
A small etiquette guide for outsiders is provided to ensure minimal disruption to daily life and work, particularly in agriculture, during the twelve-day festival. Recommendations include avoiding littering, reducing bike traffic congestion on country roads, and respecting private property.
Gorleben, associated with the nuclear waste storage controversy, plans a political Friday (June 6) near the mine. Critical actions against the temporary storage of 113 highly radioactive Castor containers are expected, as the nuclear waste may need to remain there for another 80 to 100 years. The storage permit for the interim storage hall expires in 2036, and the citizens' initiative demands improved protection and safety measures.
In Lübeln, the Wendlandleben agency, in collaboration with the nature park, will organize a job fair for the region on the theme "From Holiday to Life." The event will focus on presenting opportunities and fostering dialogue.
With increased interest in the festival, traffic between exhibitors has substantially grown, with many attendees arriving by car. Bike rental services are available for train travelers at some locations for €10 per day.
The Cultural Countryside Party in Wendland is a vibrant cultural celebration intertwined with political activism, rooted in anti-nuclear sentiments and advocating for ecological sustainability and local identity. Attendees are encouraged to respect the regional history and customs, balancing openness with solidarity and environmental responsibility. The neighboring areas of Gorleben and Lübeln contribute to the movement, hosting related protests and cultural events that echo the spirit of the KLP.
- In the context of the Cultural Countryside Party (Kulturelle Landpartie or KLP), the employment policy is demonstrated through the job fair in Lübeln, themed "From Holiday to Life," which aims to present opportunities and foster dialogue for the region.
- The community policy is visible in the small etiquette guide for outsiders provided during the festival, which advises tourists to minimize disruption to daily life and work, particularly in agriculture, ensuring a peaceful coexistence during the twelve-day event.
- The lifestyle and travel policies are evident as a result of the growing number of attendees arriving by car for the festival, with bike rental services available for train travelers at some locations to accommodate the increase in traffic between exhibitors.