Cranger Kirmes attracts record 150,000 visitors in Herne

The Cranger Kirmes in Herne celebrated its 542nd year with record-breaking attendance during its festival parade. Approximately 150,000 visitors gathered to watch the four-kilometer procession, marking an increase of at least 20 percent compared to previous years.

The parade featured 104 floats, 42 walking groups, and nine musical groups, with roughly 4,500 participants in total. A notable highlight was the "Cranger Lindwurm," which reached a record length of 1.7 kilometers. The Kohlensportclub (KSC) Herne 13 won the festival float competition with a theme inspired by Wolfgang Petry.

Tracing its roots back to 1484, the event evolved from a horse market into a major regional tradition. For many residents of the Ruhr area, the ten-day festival is considered a vital seasonal highlight and a deep-seated cultural tradition.