The huge array of Freiluftfeste, traditional
open air celebrations, include festivals such as the "Dippemess",
"Wäldchestag" or
"Mainfest" as well as the
cultural event "Sound of Frankfurt"
climaxing at the festive scene in Frankfurt with the "Museumsuferfest".
Dippemess
(April)
This traditional celebration
held in Frankfurt originated in the 12th Century. The market
brings together uncountable stands offering all sorts of wares
and a wide array of popular attractions, such as high technology
amusement parks or the traditional Dippemarkt' (Pottery
Market).
Wäldchestag
("Little Wood Day", early
June)
The Tuesday after the Whitsun, the people of Frankfurt
celebrate their 'national holiday'. During Whitsun a huge
féte takes place in the Stadtwald (the city
woods) around the Oberforsthaus (the Central Forestry
Office) in the Niederrad area with an amusement park and leisure
activity program.
Nowadays, Wäldchestag
is a popular event, laden with tradition but also adapted
to present day spirits, being an open air event with gourmet
cuisine in summer gardens and live music. Also highly popular
are the high tech amusement parks, raffles, shooting ranges,
and the numerous games stands and stalls selling a variety
of goods.
There are many versions of Wäldchestag's history.
According to the most probable version it originated with
cattle-grazing during Whitsun and with the picnic that the
farmhands and servants had in the woods. What is absolutely
certain is that for centuries during Whitsun Frankfurt's inhabitants
'have been flocking to the woods with their children to eat,
drink and have fun'.
Mainfest
(The Main Festival in the Old City
in August)
This is a popular traditional celebration in the city
centre which emerged from an age old tradition - the fishermen's
parties and celebrations. Since the time of imperial monarchs
during the Middle Ages it was a custom to throw parties at
the "Gudd Stubb" in Römerberg . All
those centuries ago "Ochs am Spieß" (Roast
ox on a spit) was served with "Wein aus dem Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen"
(Wine from the Fountain of Justice). Along a seemingly never-ending
stretch of about 120 summer gardens, from Paulsplatz
(St. Paul's Square) through to Römerberg and
along the Main River Embankment are carousels for children,
amusement parks, game stands, raffle stalls and shooting ranges.
A family event, this festival ends with the best part of the
show: live music at the Römerberg , the
historic Fischerstechen (ancient fishermen's tradition)
in the Main and the grand finale with a firework display.
Sound
of Frankfurt
(early July, downtown)
This open air music festival, with 70 performances
on 8 stages lasting for 12 hours has already become a tradition
and takes place in the outskirts of Hauptwache, Stoltzeplatz,
Zeil and Konstablerwache.
Museumsuferfest
(Museum
Embankment Festival in late August) The highlight of the festive scene
in Frankfurt provides culture and art in its most refined
form. The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) celebrates
itself at this spectacular artistic and cultural event. Besides
the museum exhibitions, both the north and south banks enjoy
shows, performances, music and special programs, featuring
artists from all over the world. The traditional festivals
celebrated by the various districts in Frankfurt, such as
the Höchster Schloßfest
or the Bernemer Kerb as well as the
multicultural celebrations held on the streets are worthwhile
events to go and see.
Höchster
Schloßfest
(Höchst
Castle Festival, in June/July) For over 40 years this festival,
a tumultuous display of folklore and culture, has been celebrated
in this historic old town of Höchst. Festivities are
formally opened at the Bolongaro Garden.
Bernemer
Kerb
(in
the Bornheim district in early August) The "Bernemer Kerb" (local
Borhheim holiday and traditional street party) is among one
of the oldest festivals in Frankfurt (1608). It takes place
on the second weekend in August, around Johannis
church. With live music, Apfelwein (applewine) stands,
parades down Bornheim's streets and parties at the nightclubs
on Oberen Berger Street, this is certainly not to be missed.
Don't miss out on these one-of-a-kind events taking place
in this fascinating German city. You'll be able to enjoy them
while taking a German
Language Course here in Frankfurt.
