35th Emden Matjes Days and Traditional Ship Meeting

A Herring Festival with Over 450 Years of History

Emden Matjes is a protected regional specialty with a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The salting of herring in the port city of Emden is documented as early as 1572. The Matjes Days annually celebrate this culinary tradition at the end of May – at the same time, the festival marks the beginning of the Matjes season, during which young herring, caught before reaching sexual maturity, are mildly cured using an old method.

Traditional Ship Meeting at Ratsdelft

The historic Ratsdelft is the center of the festival, where around 24 traditional ships dock – including classic tall ships like the Großherzogin Elisabeth, as well as loggers, cutters, tjalks, and galeasses. The ships can usually be visited; harbor tours and sailing trips are sometimes offered. The steamship Prinz Heinrich participates with historical harbor tours on Saturday at 1:45 PM and 3:45 PM.

Music, Maritime Flair, and Market

Shanty choirs, folk, pop, and rock bands perform on several stages along the harbor. In addition, there is a large flea market, market stalls with maritime decorations and crafts, and a wide gastronomic selection – with fresh Matjes, of course, served classically with onions, beans, and boiled potatoes, but also in modern variations.

Matjes Run and Accompanying Program

The 34th Emden Matjes Run on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, is integrated into the Matjes Days, traversing the city center with fun runs over distances from 600 m to 10 km. With up to 180,000 visitors over three days, the festival is one of East Frisia's most popular events.