Historical Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim
Palatinate Traditional Festival on Whit-Tuesday: Auction of the Billy Goat from Lambrechter Tal on Deidesheim Market Square since 1534
About Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim
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A Tradition from 1534
The history of the Deidesheim Billy Goat Auction dates far back into the Middle Ages. As early as the 14th century, the inhabitants of Lambrecht — then a small valley in the Palatinate Forest — had received the right to graze their sheep and goats on the Deidesheim pastures. In return, they had to pay rent to the town — and from 1404, this rent was fixed as a billy goat. Since 1535, the public auction of the goat on Whit-Tuesday has been documented; it is thus one of the oldest continuously maintained traditional events in Germany.
The Billy Goat Hike from Lambrecht
Whit-Tuesday begins very early for the Lambrecht citizens: Around 5:30 a.m., the procession with this year's billy goat — in 2026 it will be named Timm-Niklas — sets off from Lambrecht towards Deidesheim. The route leads through the Palatinate Forest, and the goat is ceremonially received by a Deidesheim delegation at the town border around 10 a.m. What follows is a colourful array of historical reenactments, dance, music, and Palatinate joie de vivre.
Town Court, Cooper's Ritual, and Folklore Show
In front of the historic town hall on the market square, the traditional town court is staged during the day: a short theatre performance in the Palatinate dialect, which re-enacts the historical handover of the goat. In addition, the cooper's ritual (Küferschlag) — the traditional hammering of wooden barrels — and the popular barrel sliding (Fassschlüpfen) are part of the fixed programme. A folklore show with traditional costume groups, brass bands, and dance ensembles characterises the afternoon, and several stands serve top wines from the Deidesheim wineries from the famous vineyards of Hohenmorgen, Kieselberg, Paradiesgarten, and Grainhübel.
The Auction at 6 p.m.
The highlight of the day is the actual auction at 6 p.m. on the market square. An auctioneer auctions off the goat to the highest bidder in front of several thousand spectators — the atmosphere is jubilant, the bids are met with cheers, and the proceeds traditionally go to a charitable cause. The auctioned goat usually doesn't end up in the pan but is solemnly taken over by the buyer.
Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Billy Goat Auction is entirely dedicated to the goat Timm-Niklas. The day is embedded in a multi-day Whitsun programme: Already on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 3 p.m., a themed city tour on the history of the goat and goat-related stories will take place. On Whit-Monday, May 25, the Kolpingkapelle will play a serenade concert in the castle park, and visitors can mint commemorative coins.
On Whit-Tuesday itself, the actual festival day begins at 5:30 a.m. with the hike from Lambrecht. The entire day is dedicated to the Billy Goat Auction, with a stage programme in front of the historic town hall, Palatinate wine service, and a folklore show until the evening auction.
Programme Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim 2026
Whitsun Days 2026 in Deidesheim
- Sunday, May 24, 2026, 3 p.m. — Themed city tour: Goat history and goat-related stories.
- Monday, May 25, 2026, evening — Serenade concert by the Kolpingkapelle in the castle park, opportunity to mint commemorative coins.
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026 — Whit-Tuesday (Highlight):
- 5:30 a.m.: Start of the Billy Goat Hike from Lambrecht.
- approx. 10 a.m.: Reception of the goat Timm-Niklas at the Deidesheim town border.
- During the day: Stage programme in front of the historic town hall, Town Court, Folklore Show, Cooper's Ritual, and Barrel Sliding.
- "Achtelmeile" (eighth-mile) wine tasting in the castle park with top Palatinate wineries.
- Billy Goat Café with regional products and special beer for the occasion.
- Competition for the auction price with non-cash prizes.
- 6 p.m.: Auction of the billy goat on the Market Square.
Furthermore, many wineries in the town host open house events — Deidesheim becomes one big, atmospheric folk festival on this day.
Highlights Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim 2026
- Auction of the billy goat Timm-Niklas at 6 p.m.
- Billy Goat Hike from Lambrecht starting at 5:30 a.m.
- Town Court in Palatinate dialect in front of the town hall
- "Achtelmeile" wine tasting in the castle park with top wines
- Tradition since 1534 — living heritage
Prices Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim 2026
Admission to the festival grounds is free. The "Achtelmeile" wine tasting, food, and drinks are paid for individually at the stands.
Practical information — Billy Goat Auction Deidesheim
Date 2026
Whit-Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The market square is a festival zone from morning until late evening.
Getting There
Deidesheim is located on the B 271 (German Wine Route). By train: RB from Mannheim/Neustadt to Deidesheim. Travelling by train is strongly recommended on Whit-Sunday and Whit-Monday, as parking spaces in the town are extremely scarce.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds on the market square is free. Wine, food, and drinks are paid for at the stands.
Highlights of the Day
5:30 a.m. Billy Goat Hike from Lambrecht — reception at the town border around 10 a.m. — Town Court, Folklore Show, Cooper's Ritual, and Barrel Sliding during the day — 6 p.m. Auction on the Market Square.
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Travel to this festival
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