The Rømø Kite Festival is held every year on a weekend around September 1. What happens says  the name. The festival attracts many kite flyers and guests from Germany, as it is much easier and cheaper to take the car across the Rømø dam to Lakolk than to go to Fanø, where there is only a ferry connection. On Lakolk Beach, driving is allowed, so it is very practical for kite flyers to bring several kites and kite flying equipment to the beach.

As along the entire west coast of Jutland, it is very windy on Rømø, and the weather is ideal for kite flying. Rømø is located in the Wadden Sea between Fanø in the north and the German island of Sylt in the south.

I can only say that it is a quiet day in the office when you photograph kites in the air. The sight of the many and large kites fills you with an inner peace, so it is a treat for the soul to witness. Of course, you have to be ready to press the shutter button when you see the right subject. It also requires that you press it at the right time, because the kites are constantly moving a little with the wind in relation to each other. I also think that physiotherapists, hard-pressed, would admit that it is healthy for your index finger to get some exercise when you press the shutter button.

Many of the large kites are characters from the world of comics. We had our 3-year-old great-grandson with us, and he recognized many of the characters and was completely ecstatic. Cars also take up a lot of his time, and there were both flying cars and some that just stood and jumped on the ground.

When I was a boy, a kite was a cross made of wood, with some paper stretched across it. This surface meant that it was carried up by the wind. There was a long tail of string to stabilize the kite. Today’s kites have a large hole at the front end towards the wind and a small hole at the back. The air has an easier time getting in than out, and in this way it is pushed forward and thus up, because it is attached to the ground.

Kite festivals are celebrated in many cultures around the world, each with its own unique style and significance. From the vibrant Basant Kite Festival in Pakistan, to the exhilarating International Kite Festival in Gujarat, India.

The sight of colorful kites against a backdrop of blue sky is nothing short of breathtaking. Kites come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and colors, often designed to reflect themes, animals, or intricate patterns. Drone photography has further enhanced this experience, allowing enthusiasts to capture and share breathtaking aerial views of kite-filled skies. 

For many families, kite watching is a cherished tradition, offering a day of fun and relaxation. Families gather, enjoy picnics, and watch the kites. Children are especially drawn to kites, often running around with their own designs, trying to catch the wind. 

I have a gallery from a similar festival on Fanø.