Folk festivals in Heilbronn: luxury or compulsory for poor families?

Folk festivals in Heilbronn: luxury or compulsory for poor families?

In Heilbronn, exciting folk festivals are imminent, but it does not mean joy for all families. The pious intentions of spending time together can develop into a financial wire rope act. The Festival of Lights will open on Thursday, followed by the wine village in Neckarsulm on Friday and the valley market in Bad Wimpfen the next week. Ralf Unger from Workers' Welfare (AWO) in Heilbronn points out that folk festivals can be less pleasant for many people, but rather a luxury. In this context, it is important that families carefully budget so as not to get into financial difficulties.

Anna Dolch from the Heilbronn advanced guild recommended that you already set a budget for leisure activities at the beginning of the month. If you prepare for the folk festivals, you can save money with some tips. So festival visitors should bring cash in order to be able to control the expenses better. It is best to use the pre -sale for cheap admission prices and bring snacks and drinks with you, provided that the rules allow. Of course you can also use the free offers such as music and shows and form carpools - this not only protects your wallet, but also is more fun!

costs and support in the region

However, reality shows that a visit to the folk festivals is by no means a matter of course for many. According to the Latest news in Baden, every 8th residents in Baden-Württemberg was affected by relative poverty, especially single mothers and people who live alone have a hard time. This does not surprise when you consider that 35 % of the population provides unexpected expenditure of 1,250 euros from their own resources. These figures come from a survey on the material and social deprivation, which shows that 13 % of the citizens are affected. Significant material and social deprivation, i.e. the inability to cover basic needs, even affects 7 % of the population.

The criteria for material and social deprivation are diverse. Among other things, this includes the difficulties of paying mortgages or rents on time, treating yourself to a protein -rich meal or maintaining an internet connection. If people get into financial distress, often not only the visit to the festival falls by the wayside. Basic things such as access to education and social activities also suffer from pressure. Therefore, initiatives against child poverty, such as the prevention network in Neckarsulm, gain in importance and receive support for associations such as Caritas.

A look at the income

Another point that is significant: Income in Germany rose by 5.4 % in 2024, but consumer prices attracted 2.2 %. This allows real wages to take into account inflation and purchasing power to one point. Only about a quarter of the citizens in Baden-Württemberg has an income that is above the poverty risk. For people who live below this border, the pressure is all the greater.

social associations such as Diakonie in Heilbronn offer professional advice and are committed to ensuring that people receive support they need in difficult situations. Under the motto "Questions costs nothing", the consultants are available to find individual solutions.

The upcoming folk festivals are more than just colorful stands and marqueezing. They are also a challenge at a time when financial burdens have become reality for many people. If you get well informed and prepared, you can still experience a piece of quality of life.

The situation illustrates how important it is to find solutions on both individual and social levels so that all people can share in the joys of life.

• the latest news report on the challenges of folk festival visits in times of financial bottlenecks.
• The Federal Center for Political Education provides interesting figures on the material and social deprivation.
• The Federal Statistical Office provides detailed insights into the distribution of income and poverty situations in Germany.