Gera's Fountain Festival returns May 1 with vibrant celebrations and 9,000 violets
Gera's annual Fountain Festival returns on May 1, 2026, with celebrations kicking off at 3 p.m. The event marks the official start of the fountain's new season, drawing crowds eager to witness its first splash of water.
Preparations for the festival are already underway. Around 9,000 horned violets have been planted in the flower beds surrounding the fountain in the kitchen garden. Employees of Lebenshilfe Gera e.V., including Rene Zuege and Franziska Lindner, have been adding vibrant colour to the grounds with the delicate flowers.
The festival will begin with a ceremonial declaration. Lord Mayor Kurt Dannenberg, alongside Neptune and the drumming group Bateristas del Sol, will together call out, *'Let the water flow!'* This moment signals the fountain's activation for the season. The event has grown into a major attraction for the city. Reports from Gera's officials and organisers show that between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors have attended each year since 2015. All citizens and guests are welcome to join the festivities and celebrate the fountain's return.
The Fountain Festival will bring thousands to Gera once again. With freshly planted violets and a lively opening ceremony, the event promises a bright start to the season. The fountain's first splash on May 1 will mark the beginning of months of enjoyment for locals and tourists alike.
