Historical festivals
Histories from the middle ages till today!
The historical festivals are about legends, sagas and the rich history of Franconia.
Hilpoltstein - Medieval Festival (beginning of May)
Every year, the city of Hilpoltstein and the THW Helfervereinigung Hilpoltstein invite to the three-day medieval festival "Knights, Bards, Bag Cutters" at Hilpoltstein Castle. Fire-eaters, jugglers, knights, storytellers and medieval music enchant the visitors. The ambience of the area and the castle ruins form a magical backdrop for the medieval hustle and bustle.
The diversity of the program offers both children and adults plenty of variety and entertainment. Highlights are the knight tournaments, sword fights, the performances of medieval music groups, the camp life and the medieval market as well as castle tours.
Rothenburg o.d.T. - Historical Festival Play „The Master Draught” (Whitsun)
Young and old know it – the story of brave Mayor Nusch, who saved the town with his legendary “Master Draught” from destruction and the councilors from the death sentence. Every Whitsun, this event is recreated when hundreds of citizens dress up in period costumes and take part in the “Master Draught”, as well as in a historical procession and a variety of military camps. Highlight: historical military parade.
Please check the website for the detailed program: www.meistertrunk.de
Ahorntal - Medieval Market on Castle Rabenstein (June and August)
A highlight for the whole family twice a year: the biggest and most popular medieval market in nothern Bavaria, with craftsmen, tradesmen, artists, colorful medieval village life, medieval tournament games and a fascinating fire show in the evenings. Historical groups from thoughout Germany camp near 800-year-old Rabenstein Castle. Craftsmen such as blacksmiths, vone carvers, tanners, basket weavers, felt makers and many others demonstrate handicrafts that died out long ago. Medieval musical groups, performance artists and tournament games keep visitors young and old entertained. For the children there is also a puppet show, a school for jesters and much more - all with lots of opportunities to get involved. One special attraction is the archery competition that gives visitors a chance to show off their own abilities. When it gets dark, a spectacular fire show fascinates young and old.
Ansbach - Rococo festival (at the first weekend of July)
During the Rococo festival in the Markgravial Royal Garden the visitors of Ansbach will get the impression how life at the Markgravial court must have been in the 18th century. They will meet lots of lady of the courts in elegant evening dresses and fine lords strolling through the Royal Garden and showing some majestic dances, enjoy the music of the 18th century and admire a beautiful firework.
Dinkelsbühl - Kinderzeche (3rd week of July)
The historical festival “Kinderzeche” (performed since 1897) is one of Germany’s oldest and most colourful festival plays. Legend has it that, when Swedish hordes under the command of Colonel von Sperreuth laid siege to the town in 1632 the gate-keeper’s daughter Lore, together with the children of the town, pleaded for mercy and saved the town from pillage and destruction. The festival week lasts for 10 days and is accompanied by a diverse peripheral programme.
Bad Kissingen - Rakoczy-Fest (last weekend in july)
Live music, dancing and Franconian specialties in every corner of the city: It's Rakoczy-Fest! Every year on the last weekend in July, the historical spectacle attracts thousands of visitors to Bad Kissingen. Together they celebrate the rediscovery of the Rakoczy spring in 1737. Famous historical spa guests such as emperors, kings and artists are brought back to life and mingle with the crowd.
Rothenburg o.d.T. - Imperial City Days (first weekend in September)
On the first weekend of September each year, the Imperial City Festival transports visitors to Rothenburg’s old city to the district’s golden age. The entire old city becomes one huge Medieval camp. Historical groups from different epochs of Rothenburg’s history come together for the Imperial City Festival. A host of knights camp in tents in front of the Rödertor, while the Meistertrunk troops from the Thirty Years’ War range through the city. In Herrngasse you’ll come across Medieval townsfolk and Schillingsfürst peasants. Dive into the past as a visitor. Friday evening is especially atmospheric. On Friday, all the groups make a torchlight march from the Doppelbrücke in the Tauber valley through the old city to the marketplace, where the evening is crowned with an amazing lightshow with music at the city hall. Entry is free.
