The Vibrant Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig

Velvet, ruffles, vinyl, and leather: Every year at Pentecost, Leipzig welcomes fans of the gothic scene. Thousands of enthusiasts in dark costumes gather for the Wave-Gotik-Treffen in the city of trade fairs.

The 'Goths' are coming: Once a year, since 1992, the Saxon city of Leipzig turns black, yet remains more colorful than ever. Over the long Pentecost weekend, more than 20,000 people flock to the city, making a pilgrimage to the largest festival of the alternative and gothic scene in Germany.

The 26th Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) from June 2 to 5, 2017, is a cultural and music event featuring numerous readings, lectures, theater performances, films, concerts, and various romantic-fashion highlights.

Between Leipzig Central Station and Moritzbastei, the agra grounds (central event venue), and places like Absintherie Sixtina, the city transforms into a fantastic runway for the lavishly costumed and elaborately styled scene followers - often surrounded by snapshot hunters and onlookers.

Whether it's a mechanical-futuristic steampunk look, daring manga hairstyle, lace skirt or an opulent, flowing Baroque dress, uniformed, skin-tight or scantily clad, made up like a vampire, with a horse mask or in a dog costume - nothing seems too flashy or bizarre to stand out. It becomes increasingly difficult each year to make your outfit stand out among the crowd.

All things considered: You should experience the WGT at least once! However, most events require a festival ticket for entry. Tickets are still available at the evening box office. Some events like the 'Heidnische Dorf', a medieval market at the Torhaus Dölitz, or the Steampunk Picnic at the German Allotment Museum are open to the public. Just like the Victorian Picnic on June 2, 2017, in Clara Zetkin Park- a journey back to the 19th century, a bit like 'Alice in Wonderland' - well worth seeing and one of the most popular highlights.

For more on the history of the Wave-Gotik-Treffen, recent articles, photos, and videos, visit the Online Special of the Leipziger Volkszeitung. In the LVZ Multimedia Blog, five Leipzig residents share insights into their gothic soul and philosophy.