Iron Maiden performs at Wacken Open Air on Aug. 4, 2023.
Fans waiting for the gates to open at Wacken Open Air 2023. Aug. 2, 2023.
Wasteland Warriors at dinner, Wacken Open Air 2023. Aug. 1, 2023.
Scene by the drink and food stands on the festival grounds. Aug. 2, 2023.
Igorrr performs at Wacken Open Air on Aug. 5, 2023.
A fan headbanging at Wacken Open Air on Aug 5., 2023.
A group of fans from Mexico react during Igorrr's performance at Wacken Open Air 2023. Aug. 5, 2023.
A fan laughs while lying on the festival grounds. Aug. 2, 2023.
Scene near the Harder stage. Aug. 2, 2023.
A man from Finnland stands on a path near the Artist Village. Aug. 2, 2023.
Crowds gather outside the Faster stage. Aug. 2, 2023.
Wacken Open Air
2023
Wacken Open Air started as a village party in northern Germany in 1990 and is now the world’s biggest heavy metal festival. The festival takes place annually on the first weekend of August on fields which farmers lease near the village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, and it attracts international fans and bands, with about 100,000 visitors including the crew and residents. I photographed the 2023 metal mecca for a week with the support of NOOR Images and Wacken Foundation. I was mainly interested in the community aspect of the metal scene and how people present themselves to express their identity and belonging.