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Culture calendar

Nikolas Fischer / kbmJune 27, 2013

From film in Munich to fashion in Berlin, and fireworks on the River Rhine, July is an explosive month for culture in Germany. Here are DW's tips for fun and entertainment in the early throes of summer.

https://p.dw.com/p/18wkF
Fireworks show with the Cologne Cathedral in the background
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Imagine a sea of lights along the enchanting River Rhine. Each summer, an elaborate fireworks show is held at various locations along the river that spans western Germany from south to north, appropriately titled "Rhein in Flammen" (Rhine in Flames).

On July 6, the next fireworks event will be held at the Rhine Gorge between the cities of Koblenz and Bingen. The valley, rich in fossils and diverse flora and fauna, has been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites for over a decade. In addition to the fireworks, artistic lighting will illuminate the castles in the valley and some 50 boats on the river.

A week later on July 13, Cologne will hold a similarly luminous event, known as "Kölner Lichter" (Cologne Lights), where the sight of Cologne's illuminated Gothic cathedral is particularly impressive. A number of bands are scheduled to perform throughout the evening, but the highlight will be a cacophonous fireworks show accompanied by music - one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Poster for the 2013 Filmfest München
Filmfest München takes a comprehensive look at the art of moving imagesImage: Imago

Film in Munich

From June 28 through July 6, cinema buffs from all over the world will gather in Munich. The organizers of the Filmfest München have compiled a collection of film premieres, as well as a side program of exhibitions and podium discussions.

In addition to the perennial themes of "New German Television" and "Children's Film Festival," two unique topics will be presented this year, focusing on American television series and the relationship between cinema and computer games.

The model Lexy Hell presents a creation at the "Kauffeld Jahn Couture" show during fashion week in Berlin Germany, 14 January 2013 at nhow hotel. Twice a year Berlin becomes an international location for fashion and lifestyle topics. Photo: Jens Kalaene/dpa.
Berlin Fashion Week is a magnet for fashionistas on the lookout for tomorrow's trendsImage: picture-alliance/dpa

Fashion in Berlin

The German capital will be transformed into a giant catwalk from July 2-7 during Berlin Fashion Week, where the Who's Who of the fashion world will be on the lookout for the trends of tomorrow - or, more accurately, of summer 2014.

The fashion shows are, of course, the focal point of the event, which also includes a trade fair element. Most of the presentations, however, are by invitation only. Nevertheless, Berlin Fashion Week, isn't just a draw for industry insiders. A whole series of exhibitions and parties all about fashion will also be taking place during the week.

Crowd at the Summerjam Festival
The Summerjam Festival celebrates reggae with artists from all over the worldImage: Imago

Reggae at Fühlinger Lake in Cologne

The Summerjam Festival, one of the biggest reggae events in Germany, will get underway on July 5 at the Fühlinger Lake in Cologne. Musicians from all over the world are scheduled to perform, including US rapper Snoop Lion and German reggae artists Gentleman and Patrice.

The festival was launched in 1996 on what is technically an island in the middle of the lake. In traditional festival style, visitors can camp near the festival location, right by the edge of the water.

Rheinkirmes in Düsseldorf
Get the best of traditional summer fairs, plus some local traditions, in DüsseldorfImage: picture-alliance/dpa

Summer fair in Düsseldorf

Cotton candy, bumper cars and merry-go-rounds: The annual Rheinkirmes summer fair is coming to Düsseldorf from July 12-21. With more than four million visitors expected, it's one of the largest events of its kind in the country.

St. Apollinaris of Ravenna, Düsseldorf's patron saint, is celebrated during the fair, and a church consecration festival will also be held at the Catholic Basilica St. Lambertus. The highlight, however, will take place on Sunday, July 21, when the local shooting club will hold a parade through the Old Town.