Eurofurence

Eurofurence is the largest furry convention outside the United States and the longest-running one in the world. It is an annual event held in changing places in Europe, predominantly in Germany. What started as a private gathering of 19 European furry fans who met on the Internet has grown to become a full-fledged convention that attracts over 2,500 attendees each year.

The furry fandom is a community of fans interested in anthropomorphic animal characters in literature, film, television, comics and other media. Although the tradition of endowing fictional animals with human characteristics and personalities is not new, the present-day furry fandom began to emerge in the early 1980s. In the earlier days of the fandom, fans used to gather at science fiction, fantasy and comic conventions.

The first full-fledged furry convention was held in the United States in 1989. It was titled ConFurence: The International Anthropomorphic Convention/Exposition. Currently furry fans organize several dozen furry conventions around the world and Eurofurence is one of the biggest ones.

The first edition of Eurofurence was held from June 30 to July 3, 1995. It took place in the German municipality of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog. Since then, the convention has been held in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. However, Germany has always remained its principal host country. Since 2002, Eurofurence has been organized by the German non-profit organization (Verein) Eurofurence e.V.

Eurofurence typically runs over five days in summer, Wednesday through Sunday. Like most other furry conventions, it is hotel-based. The convention program includes an array of events focused on everything and anything fandom related, from fursuiting and furry lifestyle to art and writing. Common events and activities at Eurofurence include panels, workshops, roundtables, Fursuit Gameshow, Art Show, Dealers’ Den, Artist Alley, Pawpet Show, parties, dances, and more. Of course, there’s a traditional charity auction designed to support animal welfare organizations.

Since the convention’s 5th edition, the organizers have invited a guest of honor almost every year. Past guests of honor have included writers, fursuiters, puppeteers, musicians, artists, costume designers, comic authors, animators, and other people known for their significant contribution to the furry fandom.

Since Eurofurence 8, each convention has had a specific theme. Past themes have included The Furry Intelligence Agency, Cunning Little Vixens, EFX - The Movie!, Songs of the Old Ages, The Hounds of Blackwhite Castle, The Unlucky Thirteen, From Dusk Till Dawn, 1001 Arabian Nights, The Serengeti, Kung Fur Hustle, Animalia Romana, Aloha Hawaii, Crime Scene Berlin, Greenhouse World, Back to the 80s, and Ancient Egypt.