Festivals
Introduction:
American Festivals:
Every four years, Turners from all parts of the United States gather together and match skills in their various sports and cultural events. While geared to competition, it is a chance to meet new people and renew friendships with those of similar interests.
In almost all of the events, the entrants are divided into age groupings where the competition is within that group.
German Turnfests:
As you may expect from a country with a million Turners, the German Turnfest attracts about 100,000 participants and, naturally, the competition is on a much grander scale. Turnfests are held in German cities with accommodations and facilities for very large groups of people. The next German Turnfest is to be held in Frankfurt in May 2009.
It takes about a week to hold all the events, opening ceremonies, parade, sports competition, cultural events, teach-ins, lectures, fun events, dances, exhibitions, closing ceremonies and lots more. If you go, don't expect to see everything. Pick out what you want to see most and do expect to have a good time. Getting around in the cities is usually easy, and Germany makes an extra effort to accommodate large crowds in the big events.
