Colors of Gelsenkirchen - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

At the mention of Gelsenkirchen, many people have an association with a large industrial center, in particular, with a city engaged in the coal industry. And due to this, the city has a population of many thousands of people. Locals are distinguished by their friendliness and willingness to help in any situation - all thanks to the tolerance that seems to be in their blood. Citizens are treated with respect to any visitor, at the same time expecting them to comply with the local laws. And this is quite logical, given the fact that it goes without saying - the laws and rules established in a particular country must be respected by everyone without exception.

We cannot fail to mention the famous German punctuality, locals are no exception in this regard. Lying or being late will mean deep pangs of conscience. However, this seems like something from science fiction. A passion for order, a fear of change, a propensity for planning anything and everything, and perfectionism are some more important traits of local people. They are known for their straightforwardness, sometimes forgetting that the truth can easily hurt an unprepared person. And we should not blame them for that - this is in their blood.

There are few dialects in the city, their speakers can mostly be found among the older generation. They were supplanted by the traditional Upper German language, so it wouldn't be difficult to understand local people. The local cuisine is famous for its simplicity and nutritiousness at the same time. Some of the local dishes that must be tried at least once in a lifetime are fried herring, potato pancakes, boiled beans, Westphalian ham, stewed cabbage, sausages, Rhine roast, marinated beef, pumpernickel (slightly sweet rye bread). Of course, the favorite drink is beer, although wine is also valued here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Festivals that take place in the city attract many visitors from all over the world, they are really worth visiting. In mid-May, the city becomes a paradise for rock fans, because this is the time of the Rock Hard Festival. Among its headliners are the most popular and famous bands coming from all over the world and playing in various subgenres of rock and metal - from hardcore to melodic death metal. The venue is the Amphitheater. All those who identify themselves as fans of the aforementioned genres must attend the festival at least once in their lives, as here they can not only listen to the favorite music but also discover new facets in it.

Another event dedicated to rock takes place in mid-June and is called the Punk in Drublic Music Festival. The event taking place at VELTINS-Arena gathers all fans of punk and rock, as the name suggests. In addition to the music program, a gastronomic one is prepared for the audience - in particular, you can taste great craft beer here. The festival has an international format and is held in different cities in Europe and the United States. Its headliners' names always delight connoisseurs of this kind of music by being familiar to everybody.

Mid-August is marked by the Rockorchester Ruhrgebeat, another festival in the city’s life dedicated to hard music such as rock. However, this is not an ordinary event - rock music is performed accompanied by an orchestra, which means that it's a unique opportunity to discover completely new facets in music. Here you can listen to a variety of hits of past years, starting with Elvis Presley's songs and ending with Linkin Park. The event is truly unique for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and therefore it is noted in the calendar of many fans of both rock and classical music.

However, not only rock is popular here, as it may seem at first glance. At the end of May, all pop fans have a chance to listen to their favorite music too. This is when the festival under the name of 1LIVE Popfest is held. It is focused on hip-hop, techno, electronic music, and therefore visiting the festival is a unique opportunity to dance to incendiary beats and have a lot of fun. And, of course, visitors are attracted by popular big-named headliners of the festival. The venue is VELTINS-Arena.

The end of April in Gelsenkirchen is marked by holding KanalErwachen - a great family party, the venue for which is Nordsternpark. This is the time when kids can enjoy a cheerful festive atmosphere while exploring rides, frolicking on a pirate ship, and trying all sorts of treats. An art exhibition opens, music sounds everywhere. On this day, all fishermen can fully enjoy their favorite pastime on the canal. The same applies to divers - the program involves exploring the depths as well. Here you can taste not only local food but also other delights like Dutch "kibbeling", Alsatian "tarte flambé", Chinese noodles. You can visit the event for free.

One more festival for the whole family takes place in early June and is called GeKita Familienfest. The location is the same Nordsternpark. Children have a great opportunity to get acquainted with new ideas and participate in workshops, as well as admire artworks presented at an opened exhibition. The event is not complete without tasting fine dishes. All family members get nothing but great impressions, so visiting the festival is a must-have while in the city at this time.

Those visiting it at the end of June have a unique opportunity to attend the ExtraSchicht Festival. The event is held in the same place, i.e. in Nordsternpark. Here you can witness an extensive entertainment program including theatrical performances, fire shows, tasting local dishes, circus performances, and magic shows. And all this is within the framework of a single event. Besides that, interesting tours are organized for visitors at this time.