Traces of Fire 2025: Storytelling Festival brings light and stories to Gröpelingen!

Traces of Fire 2025: Storytelling Festival brings light and stories to Gröpelingen!

On November 9, 2025, Bremen will again be the venue for the popular “Fire Traces” storytelling festival. From 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Lindenhofstrasse in Gröpelingen is transformed into a lively backdrop for stories and lights. Over 100 storytellers will present their stories in more than 20 different locations, including very unusual locations such as laundromats and nail salons. This year's theme “Visible” focuses on the invisible and the hidden stories of our society. The festival attracts around 7,000 guests every year who embark on an exciting journey through the world of stories. The program starts at the storytelling locations at 3:00 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 4:40 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., although admission is no longer possible after the start, as Weser Report reports.

But the festival has even more to offer: On November 9th at 6 p.m. there will be a colorful parade with lanterns and samba elements from the shipyard workers/Green Dock Street to the final show on Library Square. The well-known musician Monte Monja will provide the atmosphere with samba percussion during the parade. There will also be a shopping Sunday this Sunday, with shops in Gröpelingen, Oslebshausen, Waterfront Bremen and Sander Center open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., as the festival's website, Fire Traces, highlights.

Creative preparations with lanterns and lights

The festival is not only an experience for the guests, but also an opportunity for creative minds in the region. The lantern workshop starts in Überseestadt on October 2nd and offers a variety of programs for children and adults. Light objects for the lantern parade can be built here. The children are invited to take part in the mobile studios, which will take place from October 13th to 17th and October 20th to 24th at various locations in Gröpelingen.

• 13. bis 17. Oktober, 15:00 – 18:00 Uhr, Bibliothek Gröpelingen und Treff im Liegnitzquartier
• 20. bis 24. Oktober, 15:00 – 18:00 Uhr, Kunstkiosk und Kinderbibliothek Überseekirche
• Laternenwerkstatt „Lichter der Nachbarschaft“ am 14. Oktober von 16:00 bis 18:00 Uhr im Treff im Liegnitzquartier
• Leuchtobjekte für Laternenumzug am 24. Oktober von 16:00 bis 18:00 Uhr im Bürgerhaus Oslebshausen, Materialkosten 3 Euro

What's particularly great is that participation in these creative workshops is free or involves low material costs. Registration is required for the lantern workshop for adults, which takes place on five dates in October and November 4th. The lantern making initiative offers a wonderful contribution to the festive atmosphere and brings people from the surrounding area together.

Additional events and offers

For families there is something to offer during the fall holidays under the motto “More light!” exciting programs. Special projects like “Glitter Kamishibai!” and “Invisible Beings!” are planned for children aged 6 and older and offer valuable experiences in the art of storytelling. The great commitment of the district groups, children and youth groups as well as lantern makers shows how strong the community is in Bremen and how easy it is to be part of it, according to the festival organization TellLust.

The “Fire Trails” storytelling festival is an integral part of cultural life in Bremen and is actively supported by numerous sponsors such as the Senators for Culture, Economics, Social Affairs and Youth as well as the BSAG. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration for everyone who wants to experience the magic of storytelling.