Hahnrupfen in Papitz & Superkokot

Sorbian Harvest Festival with Equestrian Tradition

Papitz is one of the districts of the larger municipality of Kolkwitz, west of Cottbus in the Spree-Neiße district. Like many villages in Lower Lusatia, Papitz preserves the Sorbian harvest tradition of Hahnrupfen – an equestrian and harvest game where young riders, while galloping past, try to grab the head or wings of a suspended rooster. Whoever captures the head becomes the 1st Harvest King (Kokot).

The Festival Day in Papitz

The Hahnrupfen 2026 will take place on August 30, 2026, at the Papitz sports field. At 3 p.m., the festive parade of riders and villagers will begin through Papitz, followed by competitions and the crowning of the Harvest King at the sports field. From 7 p.m., the dance begins with DJ Siegi – a traditional festival meadow atmosphere with fairy lights, beer service, and a mix of Sorbian and German Schlager music.

Superkokot – Meeting of the Harvest Kings

A special event for Papitz in 2026 is also the Superkokot meeting on September 27, 2026. At the Superkokot, the harvest kings from numerous Lower Lusatian villages gather in a selected location, parade together, and celebrate the peak of the harvest season with a harvest ball. In 2026, Papitz will host the Superkokot: 2:30 p.m. parade, followed by a harvest ball with the band Elektra 68 at the Papitz sports field.

Sorbian Customs in Kolkwitz

The municipality of Kolkwitz is part of the Lower Sorbian settlement area of Lower Lusatia. Hahnrupfen and associated harvest customs are maintained in several of its districts. Papitz has established itself as a particularly active location – the fact that the Superkokot 2026 is coming to Papitz "in the municipality of Kolkwitz" is a recognition of this community work.

Festival Meadow, Stage, Village Community

The Papitz sports field serves as the festival meadow: a small stage, beer stands, food stalls run by local clubs, benches, and an open dance floor form the infrastructure. The event is supported by the Papitz local history association and the municipality of Kolkwitz, supplemented by the Sorbian youth and cultural associations of the region.