Großer Mittelaltermarkt zu Illingen (GMAZI)

GMAZI — the medieval market at Kerpen Castle

The Großer Mittelaltermarkt zu Illingen — affectionately abbreviated to GMAZI by the organizers — is one of the most atmospheric medieval experiences in the Saarland. The market takes place every two years, always on the Burgplatz Illingen (Illingen Castle Square), right by the ruins of the historic Kerpen Castle. The organizer is Kiehn Adventure Projects, who also organize the Großer Mittelaltermarkt zu Saarbrücken.

Kerpen Castle — a historic site

Kerpen Castle in Illingen is a medieval castle ruin built in the 12th century. Today, only remnants of the walls, the keep, and the fortifications remain — but it is precisely this backdrop that makes the market a special experience. Where knights once rode through the castle gates, reenactors and jesters now parade. Where the castle kitchen once steamed, the Schwenker grills steam today.

The program: everything that makes up the Middle Ages

The organizers' promise is clear: "Fire show, falconer, jesters, minstrels and musicians, market activities, best food, dance, and wild revelry." What this means in detail:

• Fire show on Saturday evening — the visual highlight, with fire-eaters, jugglers, and dancers
• Falconers with impressive birds of prey, several demonstrations per day
• Jesters roam the paths, with acrobatics, juggling, and comedy
• Minstrels play bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, shawms, and drums
• Market stalls with leather goods, blacksmith work, jewelry, costumes
• Reenactments by costumed knights
• Schwenker grills, mead, beer, and medieval dishes

The biennial tradition

Unlike many other medieval markets, GMAZI only takes place every two years. This is part of the program: the organizers want a special date, anticipation, a highlight in the medieval calendar that isn't repeated every year. This keeps every market an event. 2026 will be a GMAZI year again.

Illingen — the Illtal Metropolis

Illingen is located in the district of Neunkirchen, in the eastern Saarland, in the Ill valley — hence its self-proclaimed title "Illtalmetropole" (Ill Valley Metropolis). The municipality, with about 17,000 inhabitants, has a lively club and cultural scene (see also the Illinger Riesen Rosenmontag and the Illipse cultural forum). The medieval market fits into this picture as a cultural flagship of the municipality.