From 21 to 23 August 2026, Großbeeren will host the 213th edition of its traditional Historic Victory Celebration. Over the course of three days, this German town on the outskirts of Berlin will bring the events of the Battle of Großbeeren to life through a military encampment, parades, commemorative ceremonies, historical re-enactments and a wide range of activities for the whole family.
As a member of the European Federation of Napoleonic Towns, Großbeeren plays a full part in promoting a shared European history. Its heritage remains deeply marked by the Napoleonic Wars and by the battle fought on its territory on 23 August 1813. The town is now one of the towns included in the ‘Destination Napoleon’ cultural route.
A decisive battle on the outskirts of Berlin
On 23 August 1813, Prussian troops under the command of General Friedrich Wilhelm von Bülow, accompanied by their allies, engaged Napoleon’s forces at Großbeeren. Their victory prevented a further occupation of Berlin, which was then under direct threat from the advancing French armies.
The battle left a deep mark on the history and landscape of the town. In the years that followed, people from Berlin came to Großbeeren to pay tribute to the soldiers who had defended the Prussian capital. This outpouring of support gradually gave rise to the Seat Festival, a commemorative tradition that has been observed, in various forms, for over two centuries.
Several monuments still stand today as a reminder of these events, including the obelisk erected in 1817, the church designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the Bülow Pyramid and the memorial tower unveiled to mark the centenary of the battle in 1913.
A tradition centred on remembrance and peace
Despite its name, which literally means «victory celebration», the Seat Festival It has long since ceased to be merely a celebration of a military victory. It has become an event dedicated to passing on local history, preserving traditions and bringing the community together.
The commemoration pays tribute to all those who fought, regardless of which side they were on. It also conveys a message of peace, recalling the suffering caused by wars and expressing the hope that no one will ever again lose their life or health in a conflict. This aspect of remembrance is particularly evident during the laying of flowers and the ceremonies held in front of the monuments in Großbeeren.
This approach is in line with Destination Napoleon’s European mission: to gain a better understanding of the legacies of the Napoleonic era, to place them in their proper context, and to foster dialogue between regions that were once at odds with one another.
A historic camp at the heart of the event
Historical re-enactment groups will take centre stage in the programme for this 213th edition. On Friday and Saturday, visitors will be able to explore a campsite recreating daily life in an early 19th-century military camp.
Uniforms, equipment, tents, field kitchens and demonstrations will give visitors an insight into the soldiers’ living conditions. A public ration handout is scheduled for Friday at 6 pm, whilst a guided tour of the camp, featuring various stops along the way, will take place on Saturday from 11 am to midday.
Roll calls by the historical re-enactment groups will also feature throughout the weekend. The first will take place on Saturday morning in front of the church. A roll call of honour will then be held on Sunday at 9.00 am in front of the memorial tower.
A re-enactment of the Battle of Großbeeren
One of the weekend’s highlights will take place on Saturday 22 August at 4 pm, near the Bülow Pyramid. Troops in uniform will stage a historical re-enactment of the Battle of Großbeeren.
This re-enactment will offer the public a vivid portrayal of the clashes of 23 August 1813. It will also provide a better understanding of the role played by the town in the military campaigns of 1813 and in the defence of Berlin.
Saturday’s programme will begin at 9.00 am with the roll call. It will also feature the Bülow-Gedenklauf, a commemorative run starting at 10.00 am, as well as a number of musical and cultural events. At 9.00 pm, singing and music will ring out from the memorial tower, featuring the Großbeeren mixed choir.
A popular, family-friendly weekend
Beyond the reconstructions, the Seat Festival remains a major public festival. The event will be held on the former municipal estate, the’Alter Gutshof, where there will be a funfair, a marquee, food stalls and a variety of musical entertainment.
On Friday evening, a torchlight procession will make its way to the festival site from 7.30 pm. The mayor will deliver the official opening speech at 9 pm. Concerts and musical evenings will then round off the programme.
On Sunday, the programme will include an open-air church service at 10.00 am, historical dances at 2.00 pm and a children’s show at 3.00 pm. The weekend will conclude at 6.00 pm with a prayer for peace held in the church, highlighting the commemorative nature of the event.
Bringing a shared European heritage to life
Through the Historic Victory Celebration, Großbeeren demonstrates how a region can convey a complex military history whilst placing it within a contemporary framework of remembrance and peace.
The event combines historical research, architectural heritage, re-enactments, local traditions and public participation. It enables people of all ages to gain a better understanding of the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on the people and territories of Europe.
As a member of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities, Großbeeren is helping to bring the ‘Destination Napoleon’ route to life and to forge links between European towns and cities shaped by this period in history.
Practical information
Event: 213th Historic Victory Celebration in Großbeeren
Dates from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2026
Main venue: Alter Gutshof Großbeeren, Am Rathaus 1, 14979 Großbeeren, Germany
Other websites: historic campsite, Großbeeren Church, Bülow Pyramid and memorial tower
Organiser: the municipality of Großbeeren
Entry: free access
Getting there by train: Großbeeren railway station
Access by car: A10 motorway, Ludwigsfelde-Ost junction; L40 or B101 road, Großbeeren junction
Full programme: Visit the official website of the municipality of Großbeeren. https://www.grossbeeren.de/eigene_dateien/veranstaltungskalender/685/flyer2026.pdf