Freiraum, Volksfest, Stadtmarke. Der Hamburger Dom als Brennglas sozialer Zugehörigkeiten und politischer Inszenierungen

Abstract

In the heart of Hamburg, a public festival called “Hamburger Dom” takes place three times every year. Its roots date back to the Middle Ages. This article tells a new story of this urban event. Based on newly evaluated archival sources, the history of “Hamburger Dom” as vivid social hub and crucial political momentum is unravelled. “Hamburger Dom” was never simply entertainment. Instead, between 1890 and 1961, the festival became key to Hamburg’s changing city images and societal configurations. The city of Hamburg needed its Dom-pleasures to prosper, which is why it kept them alive eagerly.