Gillamoos Abensberg

Bavaria's Oldest Volksfest

The Gillamoos in Abensberg is considered one of Bavaria's oldest folk festivals (Volksfest). Its history dates back to 1313, making it over 700 years old. The festival has taken place annually ever since, attracting visitors of all generations. For five days, the town of Abensberg, with its approximately 14,000 inhabitants in the district of Kelheim, celebrates a festival that draws about 300,000 people each year.

The "Politischer Gillamoos"

The "Politischer Gillamoos" on Gillamoos Monday enjoys fame far beyond Lower Bavaria. The festival grounds then transform into the largest political regulars' table in the republic: all major parties send their top representatives to the podium year after year. The political Frühschoppen (morning pint) is a fixed date in the Bavarian and German political calendar and regularly makes national headlines.

Tradition and Customs

The fixed program includes the grand procession with over 3,000 traditional costume dancers (Trachtler), magnificent horse-drawn carriages, and decorated vehicles – one of the largest of its kind in Bavaria. Traditional competitions such as wood sawing, the election of the Dirndl Queen, and the church service in the festival tent on Gillamoos Sunday round off the customs. Culinary delights (Schmankerl), Bavarian Gemütlichkeit (coziness), and living tradition shape the atmosphere.

Volksfest and Funfair

In addition to the beer tents, the Gillamoos offers a large funfair with amusement rides, showmen, and stalls. For the locals, the Gillamoos is a way of life that they eagerly anticipate all year round. Abensberg is located in the district of Kelheim in the administrative region of Lower Bavaria.