In parts of Germany three weeks before Easter, it’s customary to celebrate spring’s return with a summer procession, or Sommertagszug.
Believed to have pagan origins, the fest celebrates spring’s return and winter’s banishing. Children take to the streets with sticks adorned with colorful, ruffled ribbons, topped with pretzels and eggs.
In Heidelberg, they walk along the city’s long pedestrian street, the Hauptstrasse, until they reach the Market Square (Marktplatz), where dancers — dressed as winter and spring — theatrically battle it out on stage.
Finally, a paper effigy of winter is torched. The best part of the celebration is, of course, the pretzels that are handed out to onlookers, and the realization that spring has returned. This fest has been celebrated in Heidelberg for more than 500 years.
Though Sommertagszug events fall on different dates every year, the 14th of March will forever be synonymous with Sommertagszugs since ‘Pi Day‘ 2010 was the date my husband and I first met. We then enjoyed the Sommertagszug celebration together in Heidelberg.
Believed to have pagan origins, the fest celebrates spring’s return and winter’s banishing. Children take to the streets with sticks adorned with colorful, ruffled ribbons, topped with pretzels and eggs. In Heidelberg, they walk along the city’s long pedestrian street, the Hauptstrasse, until they reach the Market Square (Marktplatz), where dancers (dressed as winter and spring) theatrically battle it out on stage. Finally, a paper effigy of winter is torched. The best part of the celebration is, of course, the pretzels that are handed out to onlookers, and the realization that spring has returned.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- Heidelberg’s next Sommertagszug will take place on March 22, 2020. For more details about Heidelberg’s complete calendar of events, visit the Official Website of the City of Heidelberg.
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