Empfingen hosted the Beatparade again this year, and I joined not as a spectator but with my cameras in hand — photographing the parade itself. Unlike many electronic music events that take place in clubs or indoor halls, this is a street parade, with music trucks rolling through the centre of town and people lining the route to dance alongside them. It is known as the largest techno parade in Southern Germany, and the 2025 edition stayed true to that reputation — even though the weather was challenging.
Rain was present throughout the afternoon, and not just as a light drizzle. Several distinct showers passed over Empfingen during the parade, and at times the sky switched between brief sun patches and dark rainclouds within minutes. Rain ponchos, umbrellas and hooded jackets quickly became the dominant visual elements in the crowd. People adapted to it naturally: poncho on, poncho off, depending on the current five-minute weather situation.
From a photography perspective, it was difficult. My gear was repeatedly pushed close to its limits. Cameras and lenses were constantly exposed to moisture, and the humidity made it even more complicated — at times autofocus hesitated, and occasionally camera functions behaved unpredictably.
Despite all that — or maybe because of it — the atmosphere was exceptional. The weather did not stop the parade, and it certainly did not stop the visitors. Six music trucks moved through the town, playing different variations of techno and electronic music. When the parade reached the town centre, the streets were already full. People were dancing, shouting along to the drops, and celebrating the moment. Many of them were repeat visitors who come back every year, which created a sense of familiarity and continuity.
Interestingly, the weather also changed the visuals in a positive way: fog machines mixed with natural clouds, reflections from wet asphalt added more contrast to the colours, and the rain itself created a very dynamic and gritty street-style aesthetic. It felt less like a clean festival scene and more like an urban open-air moment that continued regardless of external conditions.
For me, this year’s Beatparade will be remembered as a consistent reminder that weather may influence a parade — but it clearly does not define it.
