Revamped Celebration of the Time-honored Festival of Lights in Gravelotte Begins Anew
In the picturesque town of Gravelotte, located near Kummerower See, a much-anticipated event took place on Saturday - the long-awaited revival of the lantern festival. The community of Meesiger has been working tirelessly since December of last year to bring this cherished tradition back to life.
The day was filled with a variety of activities for all ages. A bustling craft market offered an array of arts and crafts, while children enjoyed face painting, bouncy castles, and a food mile. The "Seekieker" festival tent, a popular spot, featured a Tech/House dance floor that had the crowd moving all night long, thanks to DJs "Mad and Brilliant". The shanty choir "Windstärke 7" from Stavenhagen also performed, receiving applause and encore calls from the delighted audience.
The campsite, a key part of the festival, is no small operation. With 120 pitches, a large car park, a natural beach, playground, and harbor facility, it cannot be managed on a voluntary or part-time basis. Sandra and Dirk Turtschan, who served as caretakers and harbor masters for the event, ensured everything ran smoothly.
Mayor Michael Fernow, who has been in office since July 2024, shares the goal of making Gravelotte a cultural attraction once again. Jörn Arnhold, co-organizer and owner of "Uns Seekieker" bistro, expressed his support for this vision. Fernow believes that tourism has stagnated in recent years, and the maintenance of the campsite has declined.
The lantern festival, once a summer highlight for locals and tourists, was illuminated in pink as twilight fell. The trees and pier were transformed into a festive sight, setting the perfect atmosphere for the evening's events.
Jutta Risch, Carola Asmus, and Thekla Hannemann sold 16 trays of cake and muffins during the event, contributing to the festive atmosphere. The "Dance Revolution" children's dance groups from Völschow and "Sunshine Girls" from Utzedel captivated the audience with their performances.
The success of the lantern festival in Gravelotte is a testament to the community's dedication to reviving this cherished tradition. As the town continues to work towards making Gravelotte a popular excursion destination once more, it's clear that the spirit of the lantern festival will continue to shine bright.
Home and garden merchandise vendors could take advantage of the success of the lantern festival to showcase their products, offering festival-themed decorations for people to incorporate the festive ambiance into their homes. Next year, attendees may consider creating a lifestyle inspired by the lantern festival, designing their gardens with twinkling lights and lanterns, emulating the magical scene they witnessed at the event.
