WGT is one of the most exciting events through the year for me. It is a day where everyone is free to be Goth, or at least it seems like everyone in the city is a Goth.
Back in Mexico, I could say that the Goth community is somehow stigmatized as something negative. In Leipzig, where there’s the biggest festival for Goth people, things are different. People dress up in many creative ways!! Leather, lace, platform boots, dramatic makeup, Victorian style. It’s a full spectrum. Some looks are dark and brooding, others are almost theatrical. You see it all here.
I have escaped Berlin where the Karneval der Kulturen was happening. I was glad to be in Leipzig instead, because it feels more creative and authentic. Only my point of view.
There’s a sense of belonging here that feels rare. Not just for the Goths themselves, but for anyone watching.
Coming from a place where this subculture is often misunderstood, Leipzig felt like a different world entirely. I’ll definitely be back next year.
This year, again, I didn’t buy the WGT pass. Instead, I explored the open to public areas like the Pagan Village. There were concerts there too, and the atmosphere was something else. Tents, fires, people in full medieval and gothic clothes… you don’t need a pass for that kind of energy.
But I won’t pretend I wasn’t jealous of the main stage lineup. Lacrimosa. Kovenant. Moonspell. Three bands I would have loved to see live. That’s the trade off, I suppose. Let’s do it differently next year!
All images were captured in a public space during a public event. I believe in celebrating the authenticity of the moment. If you see yourself in these photos and would prefer your image to be removed—for any reason, no questions asked—please contact me in the comments (it won’t show your details) at and I will take it down immediately. No hard feelings.
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