Brokser Heiratsmarkt

A Tradition for Centuries

The Brokser Heiratsmarkt dates back to a medieval matchmaking market and is now one of Lower Saxony's largest folk festivals. The name alludes to its original function as a marriage exchange, where young women and men from the surrounding villages came together to see each other and perhaps find a partner. Today, the market is primarily a folk festival, trade fair, and meeting place.

500 Exhibitors, 25 Hectares of Festival Grounds

The festival grounds around the center of Bruchhausen-Vilsen cover about 25 hectares. 500 exhibitors present their goods, and a dedicated 10-hectare trade fair showcases regional companies. From carousels to roller coasters, beer tents to snack stands, craft markets to livestock auctions, you'll find everything that makes up a classic, large folk festival.

Program Highlights

The highlight is the grand parade on Saturday, August 23, starting from Engelbergplatz, where festively decorated floats, music bands, and the Couple of the Year parade through the town. A traditional horse show demonstrates high-level equestrian skills. The Frühschoppen on Sunday brings festival guests together with brass music and breakfast. In 2026, TV chef Barbara Stadler will also be a guest, cooking live for the audience. A grand fireworks display is a regular part of the market's program.

Couple of the Year

A special feature of the Brokser Heiratsmarkt is the tradition of the "Couple of the Year": A couple is chosen before each market and symbolically represents the original matchmaking market function. The couple participates in the parade and is presented during a festive ceremony.