Säumerfest (Grafenau)
The Säumerfest is a folk festival in Grafenau in the Bavarian Forest that is reminiscent of the tradition of the salt trade .
In earlier times, salt was one of the most valuable goods and had to be transported over long distances from the salt pans and mining areas. The horse was often the means of transport of choice. This is also the case on the Goldener Steig , a trade route established by the decision of Emperor Charles IV from 1356 to 1361 over the low mountain ranges of the Bavarian Forest.
Were on him by the so-called hemmers goods (in addition to salt and spices, wine and towels) from the ports of the Danube, Passau or Vilshofen north and east into the Bohemian brought. In exchange for this, the traders brought - in addition to animal products such as fish , lard and eggs - mainly grain back to Bavaria. So their main trading session was the harvest in the fall determined. The mules were merchants who worked on their own account and transported goods on behalf of their horses or mules .
The Säumerfest with the procession of salt merchants in Grafenau reminds of this tradition to this day. For the first time in 1976 - on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the city's appointment by Emperor Charles IV - the festival takes place every year on the first Saturday in August. Around 30 citizens disguised as salt merchants move with horses and covered wagons from Haus im Wald to Grafenau. Here they are granted majestic admission into the city by the city notables . The train is accompanied in the Grafenaus urban area by marching bands , jugglers , traditional costume clubs and vigilante groups . On special occasions, for example on the anniversary years of the town twinning between Grafenau and Schärding in Austria or Bergreichenstein in the Czech Republic, the salt merchants go all the way from Schärding to Bergreichenstein with support from these two cities.
A medieval market with comedians, music and historical handicrafts takes place in the city during the festival from morning until night . An archery competition and historic grain threshing with flails are also held. Every year a medieval “hands-free ritual” from the book printing trade is performed at the Säumerfest at Gautschen .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Information on the Säumerfest at the city of Grafenau ( Memento of the original from 23 August 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed August 5, 2010.
