Munich, March 25, 2026 – The Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade (Freiwillige Feuerwehr München) is gearing up to celebrate its 160th anniversary with a special public event, the ‘Blaulichttag’, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. The celebration will take place from 10 AM to 4 PM on Odeonsplatz, in front of the Feldherrnhalle, offering citizens a unique opportunity to engage with their local emergency services.
A Milestone Celebration: 160 Years of Service
Despite not being a traditional round anniversary, the 160-year mark is considered a significant occasion by the Volunteer Fire Brigade. Claudius Blank, City Fire Inspector and Commander of the Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade, emphasized the importance of such events in a time of uncertainty, highlighting the visible presence of ‘blue light organizations’.
The ‘Blaulichttag’ aims to demonstrate the capabilities of modern hazard defense and to convey a crucial sense of security, reliability, and cohesion within the city. The event will showcase the dedication, professionalism, and readiness of the volunteer firefighters to serve Munich at all times.
What to Expect at ‘Blaulichttag’
The event on Odeonsplatz will feature a comprehensive program designed to inform and engage visitors. Attendees will have the chance to meet the individuals behind the uniforms, explore state-of-the-art emergency equipment, and gain insights into the fascinating world of hazard defense.
The program will include a stage show and various exhibition partners. Preparations are underway, and the event page will be continuously updated with more details on the schedule, stage program, and participating exhibitors. The celebration will also feature news regarding the broader framework program for the 160th-anniversary year.
Partners and Collaborators
The success of the ‘Blaulichttag’ is made possible by the collaboration of numerous organizations. Claudius Blank extended his gratitude to all accompanying partners, including other aid organizations, the professional fire brigade, the police, rescue services, and partners from technology and infrastructure. Their collective effort will underscore what makes Munich a strong and resilient city.
A Journey Through Time: 160 Years of History
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade is also offering a historical journey through its past. This ‘time travel’ feature explores the brigade’s history from 1327 up to the present day. New historical segments are being added monthly, leading up to September 2026, the official 160th founding day of the Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Community Engagement and Future Outlook
The event is a call to all citizens and guests to experience this special day. It represents an opportunity to celebrate 160 years of living volunteer tradition and to look forward to the future of a fire brigade that is always there for Munich.
The Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade comprises numerous local divisions, including Allach, Aubing, Feldmoching, Forstenried, Freimann, Großhadern, Harthof, Langwied-Lochhausen, Ludwigsfeld-Fasanerie, Michaeliburg, Moosach, Oberföhring, Obermenzing, Perlach, Riem, Sendling, Solln, Stadtmitte, Trudering, Waldperlach, and Waldtrudering. Additionally, it supports a vibrant youth fire brigade with divisions in North, East, South, West, and Central Munich.
The organization also encourages community involvement through its ‘Now get active’ initiative, inviting individuals to join and contribute to public safety. Information on how to get involved, departmental details, and requirements are available on their website.
For those interested in staying informed, the Munich Volunteer Fire Brigade offers a newsletter, providing updates up to four times a year. Subscribers receive a confirmation email and can unsubscribe at any time.
