International Street Festival in Düsseldorf-Flingern: Quarterly Award Added to Celebrate Diverse Cultures
Stroll at the Flea Market
"Take a gander at that," Agnes told her grandson, gesturing towards a cough drop tin reminiscent of one they once used at home. The duo had been traipsing the flea market at the colorful international street festival in Flingern for two hours, only venturing halfway through the stalls without a single purchase yet. Agnes explained, "You need to see what's on offer first before bringing anything home. I'm not sure if I'll buy anything, but just looking at all these items brings back many memories, like that radio over there. We had something similar in our living room."
Flingern's flea market is renowned and always a hot commodity, selling out well in advance.
A Hub of Neighborhood Solidarity
Awalk down memory lane was one aspect of the 43rd international street festival in Flingern. "United we stand - for you, with you, as one" was the festival's motto, encapsulating the essence of community cohesion. Daniel Rübenkönig, chairman of the Flingern citizen initiative, which organized the street festival, clarified, "Anyone representing the neighborhood can participate. It's a melting pot."
The school on Flurstraße hosts its own flea market, with the proceeds going directly to the school.
Thus, the entirety of Flingern united, perusing the more than 130 stalls, immersing themselves in the rich cultural program featuring dance, music, a radschläger tournament, and awards. Despite the scorching temperatures, it was a laid-back, intriguing, diverse, and lively day in Flingern. "The international street festival has become a gathering spot for all Flinger residents. Of course, the flea market is the main attraction, but it offers the opportunity for connection, collaboration, and camaraderie," explained district mayor Philipp Schlee. "The festival showcases the charm, diversity, peacefulness, and vibrancy of Flingern. Flingern is more than just the refined Ackerstraße."
Diverse Recognition for Community Champions
Inaugurated for the first time this year, the "Quartier8-Preis" honored individuals who had made a significant impact on the diversity and quality of life in the neighborhood. Sarah Zimmer earned third place and a €100 prize for her endeavor of repainting and decorating old bicycles on Flurstraße. The runner-up, Anne Menges, was awarded €200 for creating the "FlingerPfad," which explains the industrial history of the neighborhood through 30 stations, with over a dozen already in place. The grand prize of €300 was bestowed on Wolfgang Schulten, a co-founder of the Flingern citizen initiative, in recognition of his lifelong dedication.
The three men of "Flingern feiert" celebrate the 43rd international street festival (from left) Jo Johänning, Christian Kanie, and Daniel Rübenkönig.
The Quartier8-Preis will now be awarded annually. Nominations can be submitted by mail (QuARTier8, Schwelmer Straße 8, 40235 Düsseldorf) or email to [email protected].
*For more information about the Flingern citizen initiative and its various activities, please visit the website.*
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The flea market at Flingern's international street festival offers home-and-garden items, reminding many attendees of their personal pasts, such as the radio and the cough drop tin. In addition, the school on Flurstraße hosts a flea market, contributing to the community's unique lifestyle by raising funds for the school directly.
