Bus Festival 2023 in Hannover (Germany): The world’s largest Bulli party

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Bull as far as the eye can see: last weekend, around 6,000 VW buses filled the campground at the exhibition center in Hannover (Germany), from the first T1 to the new, all-electric ID, which had been out for months. Nearly 80,000 fans and lovers of the buzz Automotive icon are on the field at the world’s largest Bulli gathering and celebrating their four-wheeled heroes.

calm mood

Kick-off for us Friday afternoon: The expansive terrain is still quiet – the rain front has prevented many Bulli drivers from arriving in Hanover sooner. But slowly the queues are filling up: fans basking in the warmth of the day’s last rays of sun, ordering a cold beer and – camping befitting – grilling. 40 Bulli supporters from Switzerland also went to the capital of Lower Saxony. The atmosphere is enthusiastic: “The organizers are super organized! There was no traffic jam while driving on the field – we experienced completely different things there,” one of the Swiss campers laughs.

Although most visitors speak German, a large number of international fans also came to the Bulli Festival. Among people from 48 countries, even one New Zealander is said to have come from his hometown to attend the world’s largest Bulli party. So we get hungry after touring the square and order an original VW currywurst not far from the festival stage – in the spirit of the times, there’s even a vegan version now available. Next up, Swiss snowboarder and musician Pat Burgener (29) will perform a few songs on stage – the biggest of all tradesmen from Lausanne is also an ID.buzz ambassador since last year.

Awards and prizes

On Saturday, the sun lifts the spirits early: they flock to the field, armed in fan-shirts and Bulli hats. A young woman passing by said, “I’ve never seen so many Bulli at once!” she exclaims enthusiastically. The most beautiful of the numerous buses will then be awarded in a grand competition. One of them, the “most original T1” from the 1960s, still has the original and largely undamaged paintwork. A T3 gets the “first hand” title – the bright yellow bus has been in the same family since it was delivered in the 1980s.

A Swiss man can also cheer on the festival stage: Larry Cavalli, 35, traveling to Hanover in his VW T2, has been honored with a massive Bulli tattoo on his forearm. And not by anyone: He received the award from Hollywood star Ewan McGregor (52, Star Wars). “Incredible!” says. The presentation of the new VW identity later became almost a side note. The long-wheelbase Buzz makes its European debut.

shopping queens

To cool off, we wander through the various exhibition halls, where we come across numerous stands with all kinds of bus spare parts and accessories, model cars and key chains. Some unusual Bulli models are also housed here, such as a T2 made entirely out of Lego or the pink T6 from the Vox television show “Shopping Queen”.

After a tiring day, we meet the fans at the giant campsite. After an amazing drone show and “Fantastischen Vier” performance, now here is the best party atmosphere. Visitors are far from feeling like sleeping. They want to congratulate themselves and of course their icon, the Bulli, the world’s tallest built commercial vehicle.

Source: Blick