Hebelfest Hausen im Wiesental

Hebelfest Hausen im Wiesental — Literature, Homeland, and Alemannic Dialect

In the Wiesental, the valley of the Wiese river on the western edge of the Black Forest, lies the small village of Hausen. Here, Johann Peter Hebel was born in 1760 — a poet, theologian, Alemannic dialect author, and educator, whose Alemannische Gedichte (Alemannic Poems) became classics of German homeland poetry in 1803. In addition to poetry, his work includes the famous Kalendergeschichten (Calendar Stories), collected in the Schatzkästlein des rheinischen Hausfreundes (Little Treasury of the Rhenish Friend of the Household). Hebel died in Schwetzingen in 1826 — his 200th anniversary of death makes 2026 a special Hebel Year, celebrated throughout the Wiesental.

Hebelfest 2026 — on May 10th (Mother's Day)

The Hebelfest 2026 will take place on Mother's Day, May 10th — traditionally on Hebel's birthday, as Hausen always celebrates the poet's birthday on May 10th (Hebel's actual birthday was May 10, 1760, so it becomes an annual literary homeland festival). The program combines folkloric contributions, folk music, a ceremonial speech, and a book market — a mix that does justice to Hebel's spirit: he was a dialect author, but also an Enlightenment thinker and teller of calendar stories.

The 2026 Program in Detail

The kick-off at 9:30 AM will be by the kindergarten children with Alemannic poems, songs, folk dances, and children's games — rooting Hebel's legacy in the youngest generation. Around 11:15 AM, the reception delegation will gather at Hausen train station: Hebelmusik, the "Alte Mannen" (men's association in traditional costume), Vreneli and Hanseli (traditional greeting couple figures) will welcome the guests. Afterward, the festival procession will move to the Hebelhaus. The Hebelmusik Hausen, led by Maximilian Schaffrin, will perform main pieces such as "Arosa" and the Basler Marsch by Willy Haag.

Ceremonial Speech and Hebel Gifts

The highlight of the morning is the ceremonial speech in 2026 — delivered by Sebastian Mattmüller, President of the Basler Hebelstiftung. He will then present the traditional Hebel gifts — Hebel booklets and gifts for brides and apprentices will be given to deserving individuals from the Wiesental and the region. This presentation of gifts is an old tradition of the Basler Hebelstiftung, awarded annually at the Hebelfest in Hausen.

Music, Folk Dance, and Premiere in 2026

The students of the Hausen Primary School, led by Gabriele Kropf, will present a folk dance. A special musical piece: a folk song by Felix Mendelssohn as a duet for two voices, performed by Chantal Rüdiger (soprano) and Emil Müller (bass) from the Mittleres Wiesental Music School. Premiere in 2026: a combined antique and book market at the Hebelfest — antique dealers from Basel, Lörrach, and the region will offer Hebel first editions, old prints, and collector's items. The Johann-Peter-Hebel-Literaturpreis Baden-Württemberg will be awarded for the 90th time — the official award ceremony usually takes place at the Hebelfest or shortly thereafter in a public ceremony.

Hausen im Wiesental and the 2026 Hebel Year

The small municipality of Hausen im Wiesental, with around 2,400 inhabitants, is located in the Lörrach district, on the Wiese river. It is known as the birthplace of Johann Peter Hebel and his literary stations — the Hebelhaus is now a museum and memorial site. In the 2026 Hebel Year, the entire Wiesental — Schopfheim, Lörrach, Wieden, Maulburg, and of course Hausen — will celebrate the poet's 200th anniversary of death with special events, readings, and exhibitions.