Eybacher Huttanz

1648 — The Peace Celebration After the Thirty Years' War

Eybach is a district of Geislingen an der Steige in the Göppingen district (AGS 08117), located on the ascent to the Swabian Jura. Here, the Huttanz has been held since 1648 — for almost 380 years — making it one of the oldest documented line dance traditions in the German-speaking world. The background story: The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) had devastated Central Europe. Plague and looting had depopulated entire regions. Eybach remained largely spared — a fortunate circumstance that the village community interpreted as a sign from God. As a thank you, the Huttanz was established as an annual festival of remembrance and gratitude — and has been maintained without interruption ever since.

Date: The Third Weekend of September

The Huttanz traditionally takes place on the third weekend of September — in 2026, expected from September 18 to 20 (the official date will be confirmed by the Huttanzgesellschaft in early 2026). The festival lasts three days and follows a traditional schedule:

• Friday evening: Opening evening with dance rehearsals, social gatherings, and a small celebration at the community center
• Saturday evening: Gala evening with dance and music
• Sunday — Huttanzsonntag: The highlight of the festival with the main performance by the dance society on the Eybach festival grounds

Strict Tradition — Unmarried Young Men

A special feature of the Eybacher Huttanz: only unmarried young men aged 18 and over are allowed to belong to the Huttanzgesellschaft and participate in the dance. This tradition has been strictly observed for generations. Those who marry leave the active dance team — but remain closely connected to the society. Today's Huttanzgesellschaft consists of around 30 young men from Eybach and the surrounding area who carry on the custom with great dedication.

Choreography and Significance of the Line Dance

The Huttanz is a line dance — all dancers stand in a long line, holding hands or connected by cloths, and perform strictly traditional step and jump sequences synchronously. They are accompanied by a brass band that has played the same melodies for generations. The dancers' attire — black trousers, white shirt, black hat, often decorated with ribbons — has remained unchanged for centuries. Those who watch the dance look into the past: this is how people danced in the 17th and 18th centuries.

More Than Just a Folk Festival

The Eybacher Huttanz is not a tourist spectacle but a living tradition. Social gatherings, folk music, Swabian festival cuisine, regional beer — the entire village is involved, families open their courtyards for hospitality, and the TGV (local sports club) and local associations help out. Anyone who wants to experience one of the oldest and purest line dance traditions in Southern Germany will find it at the Eybacher Huttanz.