Rockin' Hessentag Kicks Off, Salutes Volunteers Amidst Protests
Strong Support for Hessentag - Rhine Extends Gratitude to Volunteers - Enthusiastic round of applause at Hessentag festival - Rhein expresses gratitude to volunteers
Hey there!
Bad Vilbel's Hessentag festival has officially started this weekend, welcoming a massive crowd with sunny skies according to the Hessian festival spokesperson. With a forecast of extensive visitors, they've hit the mark! The atmosphere is top-notch.
Police briefly reported some unrest, though. At a protest against the military's presence at the festival, protesters from the Peaceful Hessentag Alliance, backed by the Left Party in Hesse, attempted to force their way into the military tent. Thankfully, the military thwarted their efforts. An estimated 550 individuals gathered for the protest titled "Hessentag Without the Military!".
Saturday was all about saluting the impressive work of the volunteer forces. Hessian Minister President Boris Rhine (CDU) and Interior Minister Roman Poseck honored the essential roles and priceless contributions of the approximately 80,000 volunteer helpers in the fire and disaster protection services of Hesse during the traditional "Day of Volunteer Deployment Forces".
Highlighting Volunteer Heroes
Boris Rhine emphasized that these volunteers go above and beyond daily, leaping into action as soon as the alarm sounds, risking danger to help others. Whether it's fires, floods, or emergencies, their selflessness is invaluable.
Poseck highlighted the commitment of these volunteers, executing their duties voluntarily, often while juggling demanding jobs and families. He praised their professionalism and dedication amidst growing threats, such as heavy rain, forest fires, or power outages. Modern disaster response is essential for our safety, he added.
Poseck paid a visit to the Hessentag watch and command post, receiving a briefing on the special Hessentag app developed for the festival. The police had good experience with deployment apps during the 2024 European Championship, Poseck explained.
The new app streamlines deployment documents, information, and map data directly onto the service phone of the deployed forces, simplifying their work and improving processes.
Entertainin' Evening and Sunday Events
As night descends, festival-goers can rock out to rapper Ski Aggu, among others. On Sunday, police cadets will take their oath during the "Day of the Police". Due to severe weather warnings, the police swearing-in ceremony has been relocated from the Stadtwerke-Arena to the VILCO Stadthalle Bad Vilbel. The Hessentag's next act includes a concert by the Swedish rock band Mando Diao.
The city's preparing for a whopping 750,000 visitors over the next week, quite a leap from the Hessentag in Fritzlar last year, which attracted around 519,000 attendees. This year, festival-goers will be treated to a diverse range of over 1,600 events, including internationally famous bands, theater, comedy, sports events, parties, and interactive activities by clubs and groups.
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Community policies may need to be addressed regarding the Peaceful Hessentag Alliance's protests against the military's presence at the Hessentag festival, as demonstrated by their attempt to force their way into the military tent.
The employment policies of the volunteer forces, particularly the fire and disaster protection services of Hesse, have been recognized and honored by Hessian Minister President Boris Rhine (CDU) and Interior Minister Roman Poseck, due to their selfless dedication and professionalism amidst growing threats.
