First held in 1818, the Cannstatter Volksfest is now one of the largest and most beautiful folk festivals in the world. Thanks to its attractions, it draws more than three million visitors each year to Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg. During this time, the Cannstatter Wasen—the 37-hectare festival grounds along the Neckar River—becomes a multicultural gathering place. People from a wide variety of nations and generations laugh, sing, and celebrate together here for 17 days in a lively atmosphere that lasts well into the late evening hours.