October festivals: Germany’s rubber duck race

Like a giant version of ‘poohsticks’, this bridge-to-bridge race is definitely one for those wishing to connect with their inner child.

The event kicks off with a truck dumping some 7000 plastic bathtub-style ducks into the Neckar River from Alleenbrücke, accompanied by excited cheers from crowds of spectators lining the river banks, many of whom will be clutching a numbered ticket corresponding to one of the competing ducks. The first little duck to make it to the finishing line at Neckarbrücke wins its patron a €1000 holiday voucher, which together with the many runners-up prizes on offer, helps create a real competitive atmosphere.