INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL

Founded in 1971 in the Dresden Palace of Culture

The INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL Dresden was founded in 1971 by Karlheinz “Dr. Jazz” Drechsel, Joachim Schlese, and Erich Knebel in the newly opened Kulturpalast (Palace of Culture) in the city on the Elbe River. At the time of its inception, no one could have foreseen the significance it would one day achieve. Looking back, however, one can appreciate the considerable effort required to establish itself. The people of Dresden, in particular, identified strongly with their festival, which contributed significantly to its current size and more than fifty-year tradition.

Early years in the GDR and the Dresden Jazz Mile

In the early years of the festival, the challenges were enormous, primarily due to the political situation in East Germany. The government imposed absurd regulations to minimize contact between East and West German musicians. Musicians from West Germany, such as the Old Merry Tale Band from Hamburg, were housed in separate hotels, and joint performances on stage were strictly forbidden. West German bands were never allowed to perform the closing concert of an evening, lest they appear as the "crowning act." Despite these restrictions, the jam sessions remained spontaneous and driven by the mood, as is typical for jazz musicians.
The musicians from the West were paid in East German marks and often received an instrument made in East Germany as compensation. Nevertheless, they enjoyed coming to Dresden, as the festival offered a unique platform for traditional jazz. The organizers received hundreds of applications from all over the world.

Over time, the festival developed into a mass event. By 1974, it was already attracting 12,500 visitors, and "Dixieland in the Open Air" was introduced on the pedestrian boulevard Prager Straße, which later expanded into the kilometer-long "Dresden Jazz Mile" during the festival. The demand for tickets increased considerably, and by 1989, some fans were already waiting in front of the Kulturpalast two weeks before ticket sales began.
A pivotal moment was the introduction of the "Street Parade" in 1978, which drew larger crowds than the state-sanctioned May Day parade. The festival had become a phenomenon known as "Dixie Fever." This was a nightmare for the State Security, which feared anti-state protests, but the festival remained consistently peaceful.

The festival week

This Dresden festival has made a name for itself worldwide through its uniqueness and diversity.
The festival week traditionally begins with "Dixieland for Families" at Dresden Zoo and the "Dixieland ABC for Children". In addition to numerous smaller events in clubs, bars and hotels, there are large concerts such as "Dixieland International" at the Kulturpalast, "Blues, Boogie & Swing" at Dresden Airport and the "Open-Air Gala" at the "Junge Garde" open-air stage in the Großer Garten.
The "Riverboat Shuffle," featuring the world's largest and oldest fleet of paddle steamers, is unique worldwide. This event attracts many visitors every year and is a highlight of the festival.
The festival concludes with the "Dixieland Parade," which attracts thousands of locals and visitors. This parade is a highlight for many and demonstrates the deep connection the people of Dresden have with their festival.

The world's largest festival for traditional jazz

The International Dixieland Festival Dresden is today the largest and oldest festival for traditional jazz in the world. It attracts over 450,000 visitors annually to the Saxon capital and has earned a reputation as the "unofficial capital of Dixieland." Musicians and visitors from all over the world come to Dresden to experience this unique event.
The festival's over 50-year history is characterized by both continuity and change, an exceptional variety of jazz offerings, and a particularly welcoming atmosphere. The numerous free events in the unique setting of Dresden's historic city center have made the festival a hallmark far beyond the region's borders.

Significance for Dresden

The International Dixieland Festival holds immense significance for the cultural city of Dresden. This "homegrown" jazz festival is a symbol of musical freedom and cultural diversity every year. It has captured the hearts of Dresdeners and jazz enthusiasts worldwide. Despite the political challenges of its early years, it established itself as an indispensable part of the international jazz scene. The enthusiasm and support of the people of Dresden have been crucial to the festival's continued existence for over 50 years, ensuring its ongoing role as a platform for traditional jazz music.
With over 400,000 visitors each year, it is a significant tourism and economic driver for Dresden. The numerous visitors from Germany and abroad contribute substantially to the revitalization of the hotel, restaurant, and retail sectors. Furthermore, the city benefits from a positive image shaped by the festival. It showcases Dresden as a cosmopolitan, culturally rich city that blends tradition and modernity. The festival is therefore not only a cultural highlight but also a major economic and tourism engine for Dresden, placing the city in the international spotlight year after year.