How To Join

European Festival of Brotherhood

For many men one of the most important ways to men’s work. This yearly festival is the textbook example of brotherhood, service and mature masculinity.

The oldest men’s festival of Europe is rooted in ancient traditions. It offers a firm basis for men to get closer to themselves, to discover who they are, to feel and to heal themselves. And by doing this together with other men, within the safety the festival provides, acknowledgment, mutual respect and fraternisation occur.

To know that you are not alone, that you are not the only one who goes through stuff like you do, to know that there is support and that you are carried… it changes something in a man. It finds new power, faith in what you can do, trust, stability. Finding your own vulnerability gives you the possibility to set boundaries, to express desires, in a mature way. This way the festival is an annual celebration of and a tribute to the existence of Brotherhood.

 

The Festival is supported by some important pillars:

Inclusivity

Every man – no matter his age, background, orientation, financial status – is welcome to participate

Intimacy over Crowd

We prefer a gathering where you can look everybody in the eyes over a gathering where you haven’t met half of the others over the weekend. Connection on a personal level

Selfless Service

Facilitators and organisers offer their talents and energy without pay, in service of the community

Every Man a Leader

The festival offers ample possibilities and invitations to showing up in leadership; on a personal level as well as on group level.

 The Festival of Brotherhood is an inner journey all participants make. From Departure to Arrival you take your own steps, you make your own choices, you choose your own goal. And every step towards that goal you experience both individually as in a group. It feels rich, trusted, challenging, exciting…

In all of this of course you will be supported by a team of experienced men. Brothers who oftentimes have been in connection with Firemakers, guiding you in various practices, rituals and ceremonies. Examples of these that have been practised at various festivals in the past: drumming, wood chopping, wrestling, fire walking, sweat lodge, haka, archery. And things that are a natural part of the festival’s culture like breath work, smudging, meditation, dance and sharing circles.

Because of the international character of the festival the main language is English. This doesn’t exclude the possibility to speak your mother tongue whenever you need to.