Holy Flow – Diversity in Motion: An Interfaith Festival for Understanding and Creativity 

How can we build bridges between different cultures and religions? 

The interfaith festival Holy Flow brings people together regardless of religion, gender, age, or cultural background. From May 23 to 25, 2025, Cottbus will become a vibrant space for exchange, dialogue, and shared creative experiences. 

 

The River as a Symbol of Dialogue and Diversity 

In many religious and cultural traditions, the image of the river plays a central role. In the Bible, a stream flows from the Garden of Eden, dividing into four rivers to nourish the land. In the Quran, the rivers of paradise flow with water, milk, honey, and wine. Similarly, the Elbe, Oder, Havel, and Spree rivers flow through Brandenburg—connecting cities and people, sustaining life, but also creating borders. Holy Flow embraces this symbolism to build bridges between cultures, fostering greater understanding and inclusion. 

 

Diverse Formats for a Shared Experience 

Holy Flow offers a varied program, including interactive workshops, discussions, dance, music, theater performances, and special activities for children. On May 24, a public event will take place, while May 25 will provide a safe space for dialogue, exchange, and networking. Religious and cultural traditions will be made tangible, offering new ways to foster mutual understanding. At the heart of the festival is dialogue on equal footing, promoting respect and togetherness. 

“Communicating across language and cultural barriers is already challenging. When it comes to different religions, the uncertainties grow even larger. The interfaith workshop Holy Flow aims to help bridge these gaps—through storytelling, music, dance, and other creative formats.” — Simon Klaas, initiator and Protestant pastor 

 

Making a Collective Statement 

Holy Flow welcomes everyone interested in interfaith exchange and creative expression—regardless of age, background, or belief. With this festival, we aim not only to strengthen dialogue but also to establish a lasting network for understanding and tolerance. 

If you’re interested or have further questions, please contact Anna Andrievskaya: pr@highartbureau.com 

 

Funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community in implementation of the objectives of the German Islam Conference based on a resolution of the German Bundestag, and by the Dr. Buhmann Foundation for Interreligious Understanding.   

                                 

 

 

 

 

Our Partners:

Makom e.V. is not only a well-known and interdisciplinary association for Jewish art and culture in Brandenburg but also an active member of the local Jewish community. By fostering precise connections between people of the Jewish faith and culture, the association and its founders support the project with an active network, extensive experience, and valuable perspectives.

 

Muslimas Netzwerk Brandenburg is an active and versatile network. It engages with questions of integration, Muslim life in Brandenburg, the role of women in communities, and children’s education while also sharing experiences of discrimination. Through this, we aim to collectively articulate and advocate for our interests and contribute to the acceptance of Muslim women, as well as all Muslims, in Brandenburg. We stand for: social diversity, religious freedom, a positive and peaceful coexistence, and exchange and collaboration between Muslim and non-Muslim women at the state level.

 

Simon Klaas and the Evangelical Parish of the Forst Region are not just project sponsors. Mr. Klaas has been engaged in interfaith dialogue and open exchange for many years, using the universal language of art to foster greater togetherness. His ability to bring together multiple perspectives was particularly evident in the successful Preacher Slam format, which featured representatives from all contemporary faiths.