Hamburg's 829th Port Birthday

Each year in May, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg celebrates the birthday of its port - the "Gateway to the World". More than a million domestic and foreign visitors come to experience the four-day world's largest port festival along the vibrant harbor mile of the Elbe River----829th Port Anniversary celebrations in Hamburg from May 10-13, 2018. The Hamburg's 830th Port Birthday will be held during 10 to 12 May 2019.

Legend has it that the Hamburg Port Anniversary dates back to the days of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. On May 7th, 1189 he granted a tax exemption on trade in the Hamburg port area. This decision soon proved to be the turning point in Hamburg’s rise to power. In the centuries to come, the formerly modestly-sized town transformed into one of Europe’s most significant port cities. No wonder that almost 829 years later, May 7th is still celebrated as the inception of Hamburg’s port. This combination proved to be a great success: Today, this “birthday party” is the single-largest port festival on the planet.

THE BIG AIDA CRUISE FIREWORKS

The big AIDA Cruise fireworks at Hamburg's Port Anniversary is one of the annual highlights. Cruise ships join in the festivities with laser lights and horns. For the best views, go to the Landungsbrücken piers or find a spot by the water in HafenCity district.

THE GRAND ARRIVAL PARADE

The big arival parade on May 10th is the festival opening of the celebrations of Hamburg's Port Anniversary. Around 300 ships from all over the world come to the Hanseatic city to celebrate.

THE UNIQUE TUGBOAT BALLET

At the famous tugboat ballet the tugs on the Elbe ask for a dance. The programme highlights include the unique Tugboat Ballet at 18:00 on the Saturday, with a big tugboat this year alongside the usual four tugs; sea rescue exercises with a helicopter on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons;

ELBPHILHARMONIE CONCERTS

From May 10^thto 13^th, at the foot of Hamburg's landmark, visitors can enjoy unique open-air concerts on video screen and live onto a screen at Platz der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Square) at the base of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. The Hamburg International Music Festival brings together the “Planets” suite by Gustav Holst and the “Star Wars” film music by John Williams, performed by Krzysztof Urbański and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra. Classical music enthusiasts will also be well served on the other days of the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY, with screening of selected concerts from the first year of the Elbphilharmonie.

COLOURFUL HARBOUR MILE

From May 10^thto 13^th, the 6 miles colourful harbour mile with its delicacies, concerts and attractions invites you to feast, stroll and linger all the way from Baumwall to Landungsbrücken.

GRAND DEPARTURE PARADE

Even the most beautiful celebration comes to an end at some point. With the big departure parade all the tall ships, traditional boats and museum ships say goodbye to Hamburg for this year.

HAFENCITY CHAMPIONSHIPS

For the 3rd time already, during the 2018th Port Anniversary the exciting sailing and dragon boat competitions took place at the Grasbrookhafen. The regattas were framed by an expert moderation.

SOUTH AFRICA FESTIVAL

Everything will be colorful and cheerful at Kehrwiederspitze – at the big South Africa Festival, hosted by this year’s country partner at the HAMBURG PORT ANNIVERSARY. The country at the Cape of Good Hope presents a colorful programme and serves visitors typical national dishes.

SOS - RESCUERS IN ACTION

An exciting demonstration of a sea rescue accompanied by police and SAR helicopters of the Navy, DGzRS, water police, fire brigade and THW.

PARADES OF TRADITIONAL AND MUSEUM SHIPS

The spectacular parades of the museum and traditional ships take place in the early evening hours against the backdrop of the beautiful port. You shouldn't miss out on this!