Germany> Top Annual Events

Frankfurt Fairs

Not only is Frankfurt an international trade centre, it is also the first fair city in the world. It has even come to be known as Fairs' city, a reputation largely brought about by the Messe Frankfurt, a global consortium uniting all the trade fairs on location, which is expanding exponentially in modern times. The Messe Frankfurt has created markets throughout the world. The fairs today draw the intense attention of entrepreneurs and tourists, experts and laymen.

Frankfurt's fairs have a rich and inspiring history. In the early 13th century Emperor Frederick cooperated with merchants and helped found trade fairs throughout the city. This may be the focal point in the history of the trade fairs, but they actually date back to the 1100s. Frankfurt am Main (on the river Main) was founded circa 794 AD. The city's privileges were directly connected to trade privileges, and hence the markets began to develop and grow rapidly, eventually uniting and becoming an annual trade event.

The annual Frankfurt fair quickly gained popularity, and was mentioned in several influential writings of the time.

In the 1200s the emperor took measures to enhance the security of travellers to the fairs. Clearly the fairs were an important source of income to the empire even back then. The emperor officially opened the Messe Frankfurt in 1240, and conferred upon Frankfurt the status of first imperial trade city.

The 14th century witnessed great developments and a variety of new products emerged on the markets. The fair enjoyed its first big success toward the end of the century with the introduction of spices from the Orient, beautiful roses from the Tyrol state of western Austria, wines, wools, Flemish garments, Chinese silks, Venetian glass, sturdy timber, and many other important goods.

In medieval times the credit business experienced a boom, and this naturally reflected on market conditions, setting the basis of the bank trade. More niches were developed and book fairs emerged, the first of which took place in 1480. With the invention of the printing press books became a trade category in their own right. Toward the early 1500s Frankfurt had become the printing centre of Europe. The credit system developed to an extent where the fair itself began to set the currency exchange rates.

In the 16th century the Messe experienced another revival, due to the interaction with traders from the Netherlands, who made a variety of new goods available. Silks, books and jewels were in very high demand. Toward the turn of the century the Messe had several offshoots - a number of specialized fairs, like the book market, bread market and horse market.

Sadly, the fairs suffered a decline in the 17th century in result of the Thirty Years' War. The book fair was relocated to Leipzig on account of severe censorship. The markets did not recover until the end of the 19th century, when Frankfurt was subjugated to the Prussians.

In 1909 the international air and marine technology exhibit drew millions of people to Frankfurt. The Messe was re-established in 1919. It suffered extensive losses and damages during the world wars. Large-scale reconstructions followed, yielding excellent results. Today the Messe has successfully enlarged its business sites and added a high number of industries to the fair programs. It has implemented architectural changes and expanded into Asia, the United States, South America, and Eastern Europe.

The Messe incorporates thousands of annual fairs. Among the most important are Euromold, Turntec, Heimtextil, Ambiente and Automechanika. The first two are coming up in December 2005. Euromold is an exhibition of medical technology with modules, offering hands-on experience. The latest developments in this field can be seen here. Manufacturers of turning and milling equipment, a major industry in the region, are frequent participants in the Turntec fair. Heimtextil will commence in Frankfurt on January 14, 2006. As the name indicates, this fair is specialized in the textile industry, presenting the latest trends in home furnishing, decorations, design and commercial textiles. You will find the best quality at a reasonable price here.

Dining show Ambiente is held in tens of other countries annually. It features the latest glassware, porcelain, kitchen equipment and other household products. It will also host the Kids' World in 2006 for the first time. This is an exhibition of the most innovative products geared toward younger children. Automechanika will take place in Frankfurt in September 2006, but it should not be disregarded just because it is a long way away. This fair features products of the automobile industry - systems, accessories and maintenance. Its products and services include engines, exhaust pipes, chassis, bodywork, electronic systems, tuning, workshop facilities and repairs.

Some other fairs are Beautyworld Frankfurt for perfumes and cosmetics, the Fur and Fashion show, and Christmasworld, offering the latest tendencies in Christmas decorations. The latter presents exquisite designs, incorporating ice crystals, silver, steel and chrome in its products.