Kocherlball
The Kocherlball is a folk dance event that ties in with old traditions and takes place once a year in July from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden in Munich .
history
In the 19th century (around 1880) every Sunday morning (5 a.m. to 8 a.m.) in the summer, up to 5,000 domestic workers (cooks, errand boys, nannies, house servants, etc.) met early in the morning to dance at the Chinese Tower. They could only meet very early in the morning because they had to go back to work afterwards. In 1904 the event was banned by the authorities due to a "lack of morality" .
The word "Kocherl" also comes from this time. Maidservants, servants, housekeepers and, above all, the kitchen staff, the cook, were so called.
today
As part of the celebrations for the bicentenary of the English Garden, a Kocherlball was held for the first time in 1989. Since then, the event has taken place once a year on a Sunday in July. The tenants of the restaurant and beer garden at the Chinese Tower as well as the city's cultural department each invite two dance bands, which change annually, and make music from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. To be danced u. a. Waltz , Polka , Zwiefacher and Münchner Française . In the meantime, a dance course has been established for this purpose, which takes place on the Thursday before the event in the Hofbräuhaus to familiarize the guests with some basic steps. Many participants come in traditional costumes ( dirndls , lederhosen ), some also in old servant uniforms or middle-class clothing from the 19th century.
While the Kocherlball was still an insider tip among folk dance enthusiasts in the early years, in the second decade of its modern edition it developed into an event that attracts up to 15,000 visitors when the weather is good. Many of them come as early as four in the morning to secure one of the coveted beer garden tables, others bring blankets and picnic in the adjoining open spaces. The tables in the restaurant area and some in the beer garden area can be reserved, and service is provided here.
The stage is in front of the Chinese Tower, the dance floor extends all around to between the beer tables. Since it is a ball, there are no stands to watch the action.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Kocherlball was canceled for the first time since its reintroduction in 1989.
Web links
- Information on the Kocherlball , München.de
Coordinates: 48 ° 9 ′ 9 " N , 11 ° 35 ′ 31.3" E