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Creative solutions for culture and community
The district town of Groß-Gerau, like many municipalities in Germany, faces significant financial challenges. Currently, the town is operating under a provisional budget, which means that voluntary services – including the cultural program – are not feasible for the time being. Nevertheless, the town is looking ahead to the 2025 event season with optimism and thanks its dedicated partners and sponsors, whose support makes creative alternatives possible.
Culture despite financial challenges
“I would love to continue the extensive cultural program of recent years, but given the budget situation and the anticipated property tax adjustment, I cannot justify it. Such expenditures are not legally permitted under the preliminary budget,” explains Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau. “We face significant cutbacks in 2025
that will affect both the city and its citizens.” Despite these limitations, thanks to close collaboration with numerous partners, an exciting program of events has been put together for the current year.
Proven highlights and new collaborations
Several events that can be held without incurring costs will remain a fixture on the annual calendar. The creative market will once again take place on March 29 and 30, 2025, in the Groß-Gerau town hall, providing a stage for creative minds. "The event does not burden the budget and can therefore take place as usual," emphasizes the responsible department head, Sabine Hoffmann.
The popular "Spring Awakening" event was planned last year for the coming spring, for the first time in cooperation with the Groß-Gerau 1865 e.V. business association, and will be framed by a trade fair and a Sunday shopping event. Currently, the city administration and the business association are jointly discussing how the event can be successfully implemented at the end of April.
"We are working intensively on a viable concept so that the original format of a downtown festival and trade fair can take place on April 26 and 27, 2025, in downtown Groß-Gerau," say the organizers.
Future open: GG is running, GG LOKAL cultural summer and open-air cinema
The popular city run "GG läuft" (GG Runs), which leads through the city center, is planned for Thursday, June 12, 2025. Additional partners are still being sought to ensure the event's success in collaboration with organizer Thomas Zöller. Discussions are underway with the Kulturcafé Groß-Gerau association regarding the GG LOKAL summer cultural program, with the aim of holding selected events on a smaller scale. The popular open-air cinema evenings are also planned to return in 2025, provided a partnership with the Lichtspielhaus Groß-Gerau cinema can be established.
Night of the Senses: A painful cancellation
"Due to the current financial situation, the Night of the Senses cannot take place in 2025. A festival of this scale is unfortunately not feasible under the current circumstances," regrets Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau. Nevertheless, the events of 2025 demonstrate that a diverse program is possible even with limited resources.
Finding solutions together
“Cancellations are regrettable, but they demonstrate all the more what is possible through creative ideas and strong partnerships,” said Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau. “Thanks to the support of our cooperation partners and sponsors, we can offer a diverse program that would not be possible without them. I am extremely grateful for that.”
Furthermore, the first of two Street Food Festivals will take place in 2025 from April 11th to 13th in the market square. Organized by JUST Festivals Event Media GmbH from North Rhine-Westphalia, the festival brings culinary diversity and live music to Groß-Gerau. Following its successful premiere in spring 2024, the event will once again provide enjoyment and entertainment in 2025.
Despite all the challenges, the district town of Groß-Gerau remains optimistic and invites its citizens to actively participate in shaping the 2025 event calendar. Together, creative ways will be found to promote culture and community even in difficult times.
(GROSS-GERAU DISTRICT / PM – /Photo: Raphael Schmitt)
