The 33rd Hanse Sail, one of the world's largest gatherings of windjammers and traditional sailing ships, has kicked off in Rostock and Warnemünde, Germany.

Opened by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig, the event is expected to draw up to 500,000 visitors by Sunday.

Over 100 traditional ships from seven nations are on display, including the German Navy's training ship, the "Gorch Fock," which is the largest at the event.

This year's international partner is Finland, and the event features 200 concerts and performances across 20 stages.

The Spanish ship "Pascual Flores" has traveled the furthest, covering 2,500 nautical miles.

The festival also offers over 12,000 opportunities for visitors to sail on these historic vessels.

Highlights include two fireworks displays, one at Warnemünde Beach and another at the city harbor.