594. Hofer Schlappentag

One of the Oldest Folk Festivals in Germany

The Hofer Schlappentag has been celebrated since the early 15th century — in 2026, the festival marks its 594th anniversary. This makes it one of the oldest continuously celebrated folk festivals in Germany. Since 2016, the Schlappentag has been officially included in the Bavarian inventory of intangible cultural heritage.

Schlappen, Beer, and Tradition

The name originates from the shooting obligation of Hof's journeymen: those who were unable to attend the actual shooting day (Whit Monday) were allowed to shoot the next day "in Schlappen" — meaning without the obligation to wear smart clothing. The "Schlappentag" was born. Over the centuries, this practice evolved into today's festival, where the Schlappenschießen at the Schießhäuschen and the specially brewed Schlappenbier from the Scherdel brewery play the leading roles.

The Schießhäuschen at Theresienstein

The venue is the Schießhäuschen at Theresienstein, one of the oldest public parks in Germany. This is where the people of Hof gather, from the opening beer garden festival on Saturday, through the Hussite tour and the Schlappenschießen on Sunday, to the grand parade on Monday. Theresienstein itself is worth a visit — it is considered one of the most beautiful landscape parks in Franconia.

Hof — the North Bavarian Tradition

Hof is an independent city with around 46,000 inhabitants in the far north of Bavaria, on the Saale river and near the border with Thuringia and Saxony. The city's historical reputation is based on the textile industry and brewing — both sectors shape the Schlappentag to this day. The Scherdel brewery, founded in 1831, brews the Schlappenbier exclusively for the festival.

The Hof Gesture "Etzert leffds!"

At the climax of the parade on Whit Monday, the cry "Etzert leffds!" ("Now it's running!") is traditionally shouted — a Hof prayer that signals the start of the festival week. Anyone who hears it knows: Hof is celebrating.