- Ships and show at "Rhine in flames" in Koblenz
A long procession of ships on the Rhine, colorful fireworks in the air: This weekend, "Rhein in Flammen" will once again be celebrated between Spay/Braubach and Koblenz. 29 ships are registered for the procession on Saturday, as announced by the organizer.
In parallel with "Rhein in Flammen", Koblenz will also celebrate its summer festival this weekend. Around 140,000 visitors are expected in the city over the three days. The highlight will be the fireworks display over the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein at the German Corner on Saturday evening.
Good weather prospects for fireworks and ships
"The fireworks in Spay, Rhens, Braubach, Lahnstein, and Stolzenfels are expected to proceed without weather-related issues this year," the organizer announced. The same applies to the fireworks display in Koblenz.
"We are in constant exchange with the responsible safety authorities. Due to the recent heavy rainfall, they see the situation as relaxed," says Claus Hoffmann, managing director of Koblenz Tourism GmbH, according to the announcement. This also applies to the ship convoy. "Not too much and not too little water in the Rhine - all 29 registered ships can participate."
Cancellations and problems in previous years
In 2020 and 2021, the event was canceled due to the pandemic. In 2022, drought posed problems for the ship procession and the fireworks. However, last year, 28 ships participated in the procession along the Rhine, and the fireworks display also took place.
The history of fireworks over the river valley goes back a long way: As early as 1756, a fireworks display was held in Koblenz in honor of Elector Johann Philipp von Walderdorff.
New organizer, new plans
There is a small change for residents of a house in Koblenz: The house is located in the security area, and the residents have been advised to leave their home during the fireworks. "For reasons that are no longer traceable, this seems to have been overlooked in recent years," it was stated. "Presumably, the building was always considered part of the fortress and not inhabited."
Koblenz Tourism is the organizer of "Rhein in Flammen" this year. Last year, the Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism GmbH announced its withdrawal as the organizer of the ship convoy and fireworks. "Our guests will not notice this change," says Hoffmann. "It's just about the organization in the background."
A new operating company consisting of the neighboring municipalities is being established. It will organize and further develop the event in the future. "Initial discussions about a possible expansion to include a drone show have already taken place this year."
Koblenz is not the final destination of the event this year. On September 14, it will continue in Oberwesel, and on September 21, it will end in Sankt Goar.
The Rhine, where the vibrant ship procession will occur, is also home to several fireworks displays expected to proceed without weather issues this year, as announced. Thanks to sufficient water levels, all 29 registered ships can participate in this year's procession, ensuring a spectacular event along the Rhine.
