That was the opening of the Festival of Regions 2025
| Yesterday, Friday, June 13, 2025, the festival kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony and keynote speech by Governor Thomas Stelzer in Simbach am Inn in front of a colorful crowd of at least 500 people. On the bridge towards Braunau, people danced to Blechsalat in the sunset, accompanied by a great atmosphere, even though some guests were not allowed to cross the border. The “Testamentsverlautbarung” of Lydia Haider and Marlene Hauser and the drag show on the first day gave a glimpse of how much vision and power this year’s festival on the theme of “Realistic Dreams” has to offer. Chairwoman Fina Esslinger on the opening: “A strong start—in every respect. The public space was noticeably lively, crowded, permeable. Between Italo pop and drag shows, it became clear: this is not just about entertainment, but about visibility, participation, presence. The opening didn’t just want to please – it made a statement. For a different province, for a different public. And that was exactly the message.” “500 people dancing together on the Inn Bridge, which was closed to traffic for the occasion, not only made the Inn Bridge itself swing. The start was a success. The opening shows that the festival region is curious, interested, and open.” Says managing director Otto Tremetzberger, still moved by the first day of the festival. |