From 9 to 12 May 2024, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg invites you to the 835th HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY. This year the weekend around Ascension Day will be celebrated over four days. Visitors to the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY can look forward to a diverse program at the maritime birthday party – with something for everyone, whether young or old, and from the morning until late at night. From the Fischmarkt auction hall to the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, from the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district to the classic Peking 4-masted barque and the Ovelgönne museum harbour, our celebrations will play out on water and onshore.
Traditional Holiday Highlights
The traditional highlights will include the international ecumenical opening service at St. Michael's Church on Thursday, 9 May, at 2 p.m., and the arrival parade at 4 p.m., led this year by the frigate Hamburg. The unique Tugboat Ballet on Saturday, 11 May, at 5 p.m. and the departure parade on Sunday, 12 May, at 5:30 p.m. are main visitor attractions that have made the PORT ANNIVERSARY what it is – a spectacular celebration for everyone.
Maritime Guests from All over the World
Around 250 ships will be heading for Hamburg. Hamburg will welcome the impressive tall ships Dar Młodzieży and Alexander von Humboldt II. The new surveying, wreck search and research vessel Atair from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency as well as the research vessel Uthörn from the Alfred Wegner Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, with its state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly maritime engineering, will also pay Hamburg a visit for the very first time.
Maritime Open-Air Stage Along the River Elbe
The bank along the River Elbe will turn into a majestic maritime open-air stage and transform into a huge festival landscape. Activity areas for families, open-air concerts, and live acts with national and international acts will all beckon you to join in the celebrations. There will be something for every musical taste on the stages, so that you can party and dance well into the night.
The Elbe in Concert – A Spectacular Anniversary Show with Fireworks
Music on the River Elbe: visitors can look forward to a major surprise show on Friday evening at 8:45 p.m. when a gigantic floating stage – supported by the harbour tugs of the Fairplay Towage Group – will transform the River Elbe into a dreamlike sea of lights, all to the sound of a very special soundtrack. The focus will be a unique show programme with three captivating acts, which will illuminate the atmosphere in a grand finale: at the conclusion, the majestic anniversary fireworks will decorate the sky with a sparkling panorama of colour.
Magical Light Displays Presented by AIDA Cruises
On Saturday, 11 May, at 10:30 p.m., AIDA Cruises at the Landungsbrücken piers invite you to a particularly stunning maritime highlight. AIDAprima will shine in the very heart of Hamburg, allowing the River Elbe to glisten in an entirely new light. This pucker-lipped seafaring beauty will magically enthral guests along with a light and drone show.
Visiting Latvia
This year’s international partner country is Latvia. This Baltic country will present itself at the Kehrwiederspitze, providing insights into its culture, its tourism offerings, and the country's innovative strength.
Landlubbers Welcome Aboard
Numerous vessels will invite guests to pay a visit on board during the popular Open Ship campaign. Landlubbers of all ages will get fascinating first-hand insights by the crew into shipping both in the past and today. They can dive into maritime history on the decks of historic tall ships, stand at the bridge of a navy vessel, or take a tour in the engine room of a modern salvage ship.
Cultural Experiences Everywhere
During the PORT ANNIVERSARY, many cultural institutions along the River Elbe will offer guided tours and exhibitions. The special hands-on offers from the museums in the Speicherstadt district, in the Deutsches Hafenmuseum at Hansahafen, and in the Oevelgönne Museum Harbour will top off the variety of experiences and cater for the enjoyment of maritime moments.
The PORT ANNIVERSARY is hosted by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, represented by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. The HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY has been organised for 30 years now by Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH on behalf of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
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