The costs of the Hessentag remain a subject of controversy.

Celebrations for the country - The expenses of Hessentag remain contentious.

Disputes over the high expenses for the Hessentage have been going on almost as long as the festival itself. Once again, the Taxpayers' League criticized the financial burden for the host cities during this year's Hessentage in Fritzlar. But the cities won't give up on the festival and also think about other aspects: fame and image enhancement, investments, more day-trippers, and a stronger sense of community because the event was jointly organized - in short, the Hessentage is also a profit for the host cities, according to supporters.

"A Hessentage with ten days and around 20 million euros in costs for the public sector is the longest and most expensive state festival in Germany," said Joachim Papendick, chairman of the Hessian Taxpayers' League. The original idea, to unite people from all parts of the state, wasn't wrong, and it all started modestly with a weekend in 1961. However, it has become a lavish entertainment event with millions in expenses. For smaller communities, this is a heavy load.

"The Hessentage can only have a future if we return to the original idea and celebrate it more briefly and/or less frequently - like all other federal states," said Papendick. Lower Saxony, Thuringia, and Rhineland-Palatinate now celebrate a three-day festival every two years. "The fact that Fritzlar has already been the host city and has removed the cost driver Hessentag-Arena is a clear signal: The previous concept is no longer relevant," he added. The new CDU/SPD state government needs to reduce the festival to a reasonable size.

However, in Wiesbaden, the criticism is dismissed. "A shorter Hessentag would not be significantly cheaper than the current format with ten days," said the head of the Hessian State Chancellery, Benedikt Kuhn (CDU), upon request. This is mainly due to the fixed costs for infrastructure, security, and advertising. The Hessentag is the state festival of Hesse, the largest and oldest state festival in Germany. "We are proud of this tradition and want to preserve it," said Kuhn. The festival is an identity creator and a motor for investment and growth for the entire region. "The Hessentag lasts ten days, but its effects last for years," he added.

Looking forward in the next host city

For Bad Vilbel as the next host city, the benefit is assured - even if the city is preparing for a one-million-euro deficit. "On one hand, the Hessentag is worth it because Bad Vilbel will be in the public spotlight of Hesse for ten days. Many people will come to Bad Vilbel for the first time, and we want to leave a lasting impression so that they will come back often," said a representative of the city.

On top of that, many investments can be initiated and funding received for measures that would otherwise never or only much later have been realized by the city. As in 2020, when Bad Vilbel had to cancel the Hessentag due to the pandemic, it's estimated that costs of around 11.5 million euros will result from the funding: 6.5 million euros for investment measures, 2 million euros for the deficit settlement in the event sector, and a maximum of 3 million euros in municipal debt.

The Hessian State and Community Association also speaks of a gain for the cities and social cohesion. "The Hessentag brings together hundreds of thousands of people every year, peacefully and joyfully. Its basic idea: to bring people together, to encourage understanding for each other and to foster togetherness in a diverse society continues to be just as relevant as it was at the first Hessentag over 60 years ago," explained David Rauber, Managing Director.

Infrastructure expansion

Despite the considerable financial burdens, many former Hessentag cities report that it has ultimately been worth it. "Many former Hessentag cities summarize that it has paid off for them." Through the expansion of the infrastructure, long-term benefits remain, and the host cities are also recognized as tourist destinations. "You often hear at the Hessentag: 'We'll be back here again.'"

In terms of costs, Rauber thinks it's worth looking more closely. So the renunciation of the expensive Hessentag arena, as in this year in Fritzlar, could be an "interesting approach," he said. "Abandoning the big show with big-name attractions. If the festival succeeds in Fritzlar despite this, that would be an important insight for future Hessentags." The festival must also be enjoyable for financially weaker cities and municipalities if it is to truly reflect the diversity of the country and its regions.

The high costs of the Hessentag, a cultural event in Hesse, have been a subject of debate for years. In the beginning of 2013, Hanau opted not to apply for the event due to financial concerns. Vellmar had withdrawn from hosting the event two years earlier for the same reason, and Alsfeld had to forgo hosting the state festival in 2010 for financial reasons. Last year, Pfungstadt had a budget deficit of over ten million euros. Negotiations are ongoing to determine how much the state will contribute to this debt. Pfungstadt's mayor, Patrick Koch (SPD), stated that there is room for improvement with regards to the event's concept. "We have to look at the costs of the event and consider whether it should continue to be held for ten days, if international artists should perform at the festival, and so on," said Koch. Hanau's Mayor Claus Kaminsky (SPD) views the Hessentag as "a fantastic concept that has remained a staple, creating a sense of identity" - but the ever-changing economic landscape has led to increasing expenses. If the financial conditions are met, Hanau is open to hosting the event once again, as they have done in 1963. "We need to continue reassessing these conditions in order to ensure that the Hessentag remains a key part of our identity," concludes Kaminsky.