Why a colorful car cannot drive to the book fair - Frankfurter Buchmesse: Jeepney Barred From Driving, Stays Stationary
The Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world's largest book fair, has encountered an unexpected hurdle this year. A Jeepney, a popular Filipino cultural symbol, has been barred from driving around the city due to a decades-old regulation. The vehicle, intended as a meeting point and cultural stage, will now remain stationary at the Rossmarkt from October 13 to 18, 2025.
The Jeepney's operation was halted by the Darmstadt government office, citing a regulation from 1989 that limits such vehicles to local traditional events only. The Book Fair, despite its long history, is not considered a traditional event in this context. The fair's organisers sought legal advice from the city of Frankfurt, which confirmed the restriction in the vehicle's registration.
The Jeepney's planned 'Jeepney Journey' through Frankfurt has been cancelled as a result. Instead, it will serve as a stationary hub for cultural exchange, workshops, and conversations at the Rossmarkt. This is a significant change from its usual role as a popular means of transport and tourist attraction in the Philippines. The fair's purpose, which includes waste paper collection, fire brigade deployment, and the work of field jurors, does not fall under the allowed uses for the Jeepney.
The Jeepney, a symbol of Filipino culture, will remain stationary at the Rossmarkt during the Frankfurter Buchmesse. While this is a change from the initial plans, it offers an opportunity for visitors to engage with Filipino culture in a unique way. The fair organisers and the Darmstadt government office are working together to ensure that the event runs smoothly despite this unexpected development.
