Erlanger Lichtmessmarkt

A Margravial Tradition Since 1694

The Erlanger Lichtmessmarkt dates back to an ordinance by Margrave Christian Ernst of Brandenburg-Bayreuth from 1694. At that time, the new town of Erlangen — which the Margrave had laid out as a planned Huguenot city in 1686 — was granted the right to two annual fairs. One of these markets has taken place on Schlossplatz since 1695, originally in spring. After 1708, the date was moved to Candlemas (February 2nd) — hence the current name.

Three Centuries Without Interruption

Remarkable: The Lichtmessmarkt has taken place without interruption for most of the centuries of its existence — it even survived both World Wars and the turmoil of the Reformation and secularization. The tradition lives on through the acceptance of Erlangen's citizens: Unlike some baroque traditions, the Lichtmessmarkt never became a folkloric event but remained functional — a market offering essential goods and small pleasures during the harsh Franconian winter.

Schlossplatz as a Stage

The venue is the historic Schlossplatz with the Margravial Palace and the Huguenot Fountain — one of the most beautiful squares in Franconia and the urban flagship of Erlangen's new town. The market uses the entire area between the palace and the Huguenot Church, combining margravial architecture with centuries-old market customs.

Assortment: Household, Textiles, Food

The Lichtmessmarkt is essentially a traders' and necessity market. The product range includes: household items (crockery, tools, stationery), textiles (bed linen, socks, knitwear, fabrics), spices and sweets, cheese and sausage stands, freshly roasted candied almonds, and bratwurst. In addition, there are some smaller rides for children — a carousel, a shooting gallery, play areas up to eight meters long. Not a mass amusement park, but deliberately family-friendly and manageable.

Erlangen — Huguenot City and University Metropolis

Erlangen, with about 115,000 inhabitants, is one of the defining cities in Middle Franconia — a university city (Friedrich Alexander University), a Siemens location, and culturally shaped by its Huguenot population since the 17th century. Alongside the Bergkirchweih (Whitsun) and the Poetenfest (late summer), the Lichtmessmarkt is one of the three major annual city festivals.