Motto 2025 "Myth of Winnetou"

Winnetou - chief of the Apaches - is much more than the noble hero from Karl May's books. 150 years ago, the most successful writer of German-language adventure literature breathed a very special life into his most important character in the novel, fuelling people's imagination and sparking an enthusiasm that not only inspired artists to find new forms of expression in order to devote themselves to Winnetou's adventures and immerse themselves in them. Winnetou conquered stages and screens, spoke to children and adults alike and sparked an undreamt-of interest in the cultures and lifestyles of the Native Americans.

In a wealth of exciting stories, Winnetou became a symbol of the values of humanity, peaceful coexistence of different cultures and love of neighbour propagated by Karl May. Winnetou stands for the human ideal, which stands up for the good with gentleness and strength and which he himself exemplified in his blood brotherhood with his former adversary Old Shatterhand.

Even after 150 years, the "Myth of Winnetou" remains unbroken and exerts an intense and lasting influence on German culture.

Preserving Karl May's message - embodied in Winnetou - for future generations, inviting everyone to be inspired by his enthusiasm for other cultures and spreading this ideal of humanity has been the primary motivation behind the Karl May Festival Radebeul for over 30 years. Every year, visitors can get to know representatives of various Native American peoples from North America and their customs and traditions and come into direct contact with them.