418. Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest

One of Thuringia's Oldest Folk Festivals — Since 1608

The Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest is more than a town festival — it is a 418-year-old tradition that is still lovingly maintained in the small town of Eisfeld (Hildburghausen district) in southern Thuringia. First mentioned in 1608 and celebrated without interruption, the locals of Eisfeld half-ironically, half-proudly refer to the festival as their «National Day». The name «Kuhschwanzfest» (Cow's Tail Festival) originates from a humorous anecdote from the town's history, the truth of which has long since turned into legend over the centuries.

Duke Johann Casimir Opens the Festival

Historically, Eisfeld belonged to the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg, ruled by Johann Casimir (1564–1633) as prince. To this day, the Kuhschwanzfest begins with a historical procession: A citizen of Eisfeld takes on the role of the Duke, walks into the town in full Renaissance costume with the town guard, brass bands, and court, symbolically taking over power for the festival days. The staging — developed over generations — is the identity-forming opening ceremony and an attraction for thousands of guests.

Five Days of Program in Otto-Ludwig-Garten and Festival Tent

The festival is spread across several central locations: the Otto-Ludwig-Garten (named after the Eisfeld writer Otto Ludwig, 1813–1865) with its children's festival and open-air stage, the Volkshausplatz with the large festival tent for dance evenings, and the historical market around Eisfeld Castle. Throughout the Pentecost weekend, the marksmen's king competition, concerts, dancing, parades, and markets run in parallel — a packed festival calendar that brings 50,000 visitors to an East Thuringian town of 5,500 inhabitants every year.

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Thuringia

In 2014, the Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest was added to the Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Thuringia — an official recognition of its special cultural significance. The association for the promotion of the Eisfelder Kuhschwanzfest e.V. organizes the festival with hundreds of volunteers, associations, bands, and guilds from Eisfeld and the surrounding area. Eisfeld is located in southern Thuringia on the border with Bavaria (Coburg region), and the festival is deeply rooted in local identity.