Week of activities - Non-alcoholic Celebrations
Going to festivals doesn't necessarily involve drinking alcohol. The decrease in alcohol consumption at the Rock im Park music festival is reported by Sohrab Taheri-Sohi, spokesperson for the Bavarian Red Cross. A possible reason could be the increasing ticket prices. "People who spend a lot of money on tickets don't want to risk not enjoying the festival," he says.
Moreover, there are now numerous alcohol-free festivals. Two well-known ones are the Natural High Festival near Berlin and the Sober Sensation party series from Berlin. Recently, a wine festival in Schweinfurt was held as the first alcohol-free wine festival in Germany. Alcohol-free wine has been tried out by the wine industry for years.
For 24 years, an alcohol-free neighborhood festival has taken place in Würzburg. It was started by youth work to bring the community closer together. "Initially, some people were hesitant, but the positive response has shown that it works well," says organizer Christof Reißenweber. There are also many other alcohol-free events beyond the traditional music festivals, like yoga festivals.
From an addiction prevention standpoint, alcohol-free festivals are a good development, according to the Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA) in Cologne. "This is a positive trend that carries an essential message: you can have fun, party, and dance, and enjoy music without alcohol," says press spokeswoman Claudia Müller. "Alcohol-free festivals have a crucial role model function, especially for young people. They show that it's possible to have a great time without alcohol," says the prevention team from the Blue Cross.
Nevertheless, alcohol-free festivals are still uncommon. Many music festivals are even sponsored by beer companies. In response, the Anonymous Alcoholics are available at festivals for people who prefer not to drink. The Blue Cross advocates a fundamental change in festival culture and greater awareness among visitors. A challenge persists with social pressure. Supporting this, the Anonymous Alcoholics can be found at festivals for those who don't wish to consume alcohol.
Read also:
- Despite the prevalence of rock music festivals like Rock in the park, there's a noticeable decrease in alcohol consumption, as reported by BRK spokesperson Sohrab Taheri-Sohi.
- In contrast to the rock scene, there are numerous non-alcoholic festivals across Germany, such as the Natural High Festival near Berlin and the Sober Sensation party series.
- The wine industry has been experimenting with alcohol-free wine for years, as evident by the first alcohol-free wine festival held in Schweinfurt.
- In Würzburg, an alcohol-free neighborhood festival has been held for 24 years, initially starting as a youth initiative to bring the community closer together.
- Alcohol-free festivals are seen as a positive development from an addiction prevention standpoint, with organizations like BzgA and the Blue Cross supporting this counter-movement.
- While progress is being made, many music festivals still receive sponsorships from beer companies, leading to a continuing need for services like those provided by Anonymous Alcoholics.
- The Blue Cross aims to promote a fundamental change in festival culture, advocating for more awareness among attendees and fewer pressures to consume alcohol.
- Beyond music festivals, there are various alcohol-free events like yoga festivals, offering alternatives for those who wish to enjoy the festival atmosphere without alcohol consumption.
- In response to this movement, Germany has also seen the emergence of alcohol-free music festivals, such as the action week's 'Musik ohne Alkohol' in Berlin and the 'Getreide und Freude' festival in BRK's district of Nuremberg.
