During the 54th European Week in 2010, Kasimir Zierl made a video (Euroweek (YouTube-Video)) that tries to explain without words what is special about this festival:
“Viva Europa, viva Burg Ludwigstein e viva musica, es soll gesungen sein!” it sounds from the corners of the romantic castle Ludwigstein every summer for a wonderful week.
About 150 young people from several European countries come as folklore groups, choir or music ensembles. At the opening on the marketplace in Witzenhausen as well as in the evenings and at the end of the week at the castle, they present their magnificent dances and songs in front of a large audience.
During the day there is an intensive program for the participants giving the chance to get to know each other and communicate with others. Every day starts with a joint singing for everybody. Subsequently, the young people meet in different working groups, where they have the opportunity to learn something new like Improvisation dance, European for beginners, juggling, creativity, choir and orchestra.
During the week, each group designs its country day according to their ideas. This already begins with the awakening – calmly, musically or noisy. The castle is already decorated on the prior eve in national colors. While singing together in the morning and dancing together in the afternoon, the group teaches the other participants some songs and dances from its country. In the evening, the group presents itself with a full-length performance on the stage in front of the castle.
A highlight of the week is the “Castle Olympics”, where mixed teams compete in unusual sports such as sack threshing, stilt walking, water catching, cherry stone spitting and vie for victory.
At the end of the week, on Saturday afternoon, the big Eurokirmes takes place. Once again, all groups show highlights of their program on the castle stage. Results of the working groups dance, choir and orchestra are presented. With the hauling down of the flags, accompanied by the anthem of the festival “Viva Europa”, an intense week ends in which – hopefully – Europe has grown together a little bit closer.