Dehai News -- Eritrea Festival in Hofheim-Wallau – Police establish weapons-free zone

Security

Eritrea Festival in Hofheim-Wallau – Police establish weapons-free zone

This weekend will be a stress test for the region. The Eritrea Festival is taking place in Wallau, which is not only a major cultural event but also carries political tensions. Up to 1,500 participants, a massive police presence, and a specially established weapons-free zone demonstrate that this event is more than just a folkloric gathering.

By: Daniel Becker|Published on: August 1, 2025 15:01

The festival is organized by an Eritrean cultural center from Frankfurt (symbolic image).

The first Eritrea Festival in the Rhine-Main area after a hiatus of several years will take place this weekend in the Wallau industrial park. Authorities expect over 1,500 participants from the Eritrean diaspora. Due to massive riots at similar events in the past, security forces are intensively preparing for possible conflicts and have established a temporary weapons-free zone.

Festival in the field of tension between culture and politics

Officially, the festival on Saturday, August 2, is intended as a cultural gathering featuring music, dance, and community. However, in the past, the event has repeatedly been criticized for spreading propaganda elements of the totalitarian Eritrean regime and generating revenue for the government. Eritrea is internationally known for its suppression of press freedom and political opposition. Critics therefore view the festival as a platform for mobilizing pro-regime structures in the diaspora.

Strict security measures – weapons-free zone and increased police presence

To prevent potential conflicts, the Main-Taunus district has established a temporary weapons-free zone around the festival grounds at the Ardek Exhibition Center ( Robert-Bosch-Straße 5 ) and the adjacent streets of the commercial area. This zone is in effect from Friday, August 1st, to Sunday, August 3rd. Knives, tear gas cylinders, or batons are prohibited in this area. Police may conduct checks without specific cause. The West Hesse Police Headquarters emphasizes that it generally expects the event to proceed peacefully but is on site with increased operational readiness to intervene quickly in an emergency.

Past experiences – Massive riots in Giessen

Concerns about possible riots are based on experiences from recent years. At similar festivals in Giessen in 2022 and 2023, massive attacks occurred. Protesters, mostly Eritreans in exile, attacked festival workers and police with stones, iron bars, and bottles. The situation was described at the time as "civil war-like." Around 26 police officers were injured, and over 125 criminal charges were filed.

A cultural festival under close observation

This year's Eritrea Festival in Hofheim-Wallau is being closely watched by authorities, opposition groups, and the public. Despite the official cultural nature of the event, concerns about political exploitation remain. The police are preparing for a potential deployment and will closely monitor the situation.