Approximately 40,000 art enthusiasts anticipate attendance at the 'Cultural Country Soiree' - Anticipated attendance of 40,000 art enthusiasts at the "Cultural Land Celebration"
Art Enthusiasts and Activists to Gather in Wendland for 11-Day Cultural Festival
The 36th edition of the "Cultural Countryside Party" (KLP) will bring an estimated 40,000 participants to the Wendland region, remotely situated in Lower Saxony, Germany. Scheduled from Ascension Day to Pentecost, the event, which has always held a political stance, will address contemporary societal developments, with its theme emphasizing "Solidarity. Diverse. Standing up against the Right!"
Although the district of Lüchow-Dannenberg has seen the acquisition of farms by individuals associated with right-wing ideologies, the KLP was initially born from anti-nuclear protests and opposition to a nuclear waste repository in Gorleben. Despite the region's historical conservative leanings, right-wing activists have reportedly become more visible in local institutions, such as schools, kindergartens, and fire departments.
The upcoming KLP will feature a variety of exhibitions, performances, and lectures addressing right-wing extremism. The event's 320-page pocket guide introduces the 87 participating organizations, including those from Austria and Denmark. Evoking a sense of anticipation, KLP spokesperson Eva Bothe notes, "It's quite lively here for the twelve days—the cat's away."
Due to the increased visitor traffic, local restaurants and hotels are fully booked well in advance, with the event said to be more vital to merchants than the Christmas season. The pocket guide also includes an etiquette guide to respect residents' spaces and routine work, including agriculture, during the festival.
In addition to the KLP, Gorleben will host a critical event on June 6, focusing on the interim storage of 113 highly radioactive Castor containers. Plans call for a political gathering near the mine to address concerns over the long-term storage of nuclear waste and the need for improved protection of the interim storage facility, whose permit expires in 2036.
Organized by the Wendlandleben agency and the nature park, a job fair for the region will take place in Lübeln under the slogan "From Vacation to Life." The event aims to offer ideas and exchange opportunities for attendees interested in relocating to the region permanently.
The KLP has historically attracted significant vehicle traffic, with many visitors arriving by car. A bike rental service will be available at select locations for travelers arriving by train, costing 10 euros per day.
Dating back to the medieval period, Wendland retains distinct cultural ties to its Slavic heritage. Amid ongoing political and social issues, the Cultural Countryside Party continues to serve as a platform for local environmentalism, cultural preservation, and anti-nuclear activism.
- Despite the increasing presence of right-wing activists in local institutions, the 36th edition of the "Cultural Countryside Party" (KLP) will address contemporary societal developments, such as right-wing extremism, and emphasize advocacy against right-wing ideologies, aligning with its initial anti-nuclear protests origins.
- Amid the 11-day cultural festival, there will be a job fair in Lübeln, under the slogan "From Vacation to Life," aimed at offering ideas and exchange opportunities for those interested in permanent relocation to Wendland, a region with distinct cultural ties to its Slavic heritage, known for its environmentalism, cultural preservation, and anti-nuclear activism.
