Franco-German Cultural Event

Arabesques Festival

Discover the confluence of Franco-German heritage at the Arabesques Festival, a unique celebration of cultural dialogue through music, literature, and the arts.

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Celebrate Franco-German Connections

The Arabesques Festival in Hamburg is an annual celebration of Franco-German cultural exchange, focusing primarily on music and literature, with occasional events dedicated to film and other art forms. Taking inspiration from its name, "arabesques," referring to traditional Arabic interwoven patterns, the festival emphasises cultural dialogue. Traditionally beginning on 22 January, the anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, the festival provides a platform for exploring shared ideas and narratives across various artistic forms. Arabesques highlights the unique relationship between France and Germany, fostering appreciation for each culture's depth and diversity.

The 2025 edition of the Arabesques Festival, themed "CONFLUENCES," emphasises the fluid and evolving exchange between cultures, with a special focus on Franco-German-Polish collaboration. Inspired by the 1991 "Future of Europe" declaration by the foreign ministers of these three countries, this year’s programme seeks to deepen European integration by showcasing the richness of shared cultural heritage

Upcoming Dates

The festival will open on 22 January 2026

Further dates are available on the festival website.

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