57th Benefit Charity Market Wissen with over 40 stalls for development projects in the Global South
With its tradition dating back to 1969, the Jahrmarkt Wissen is an exceptional example of a market format that uniquely combines economic and social goals. Instead of generating profits for vendors or the town, the entire proceeds of the market go to development projects in the Global South β supporting schools, clinics, wells, and agricultural initiatives. This makes the Wissen market a unique model of civic solidarity, consistently upheld for over 57 years.
With the 57th edition in 2026, the Jahrmarkt marks a milestone birthday and over five and a half decades of commitment to a global community. The decades-long continuity is a testament to the many volunteers who make the market happen year after year.
The market features over 40 stalls spread throughout Wissen's town centre. The offerings are diverse: bric-a-brac and antiques, handicrafts, homemade food and drinks, pottery, knitwear, books, toys, and much more are available. All stalls are run by volunteers, and many goods are donations from Wissen households or homemade items from the volunteers.
The entire proceeds from the Jahrmarkt benefit development projects in the Global South. Over the years, Jahrmarkt Wissen e.V. has raised a considerable sum for schools in Africa, clinics in Latin America, well construction in Asia, and agricultural initiatives in various countries. The supported projects are carefully selected by the association's board and managed through partner organisations.
The Jahrmarkt Wissen is deeply rooted in the local community and is one of the events that many Wissen residents strongly identify with. The combination of market culture, social engagement, and volunteer work is exemplary and has gained regional recognition. Visitors to the Jahrmarkt not only support concrete projects in the Global South but also experience a vibrant piece of Wissen's culture.
The key dates are confirmed:
Setting up of stalls by volunteers from early morning. Opening of the market in the late morning by the board of Jahrmarkt Wissen e.V. First visitors arrive and begin browsing the stalls.
Peak crowds during lunchtime, catering stalls are busy. Stalls selling bric-a-brac, antiques, crafts, and homemade food offer their goods. Encounters between visitors and volunteers, discussions about the supported projects. Winding down in the late afternoon.
Second market day with a similar programme. Families particularly enjoy visiting on Sunday morning, combining the market visit with a Sunday outing.
Continuation of the market, possibly with special offers for remaining goods. Winding down in the late afternoon with stall dismantling and handover of market proceeds to the board for forwarding to project partners.
Detailed programme and list of supported projects at jahrmarktwissen.de.
Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2026.
Wissen Town Centre, 57537 Wissen.
Free. Purchasing goods supports development projects in the Global South.
By train via the Siegstrecke (RB 90) to Wissen (Sieg). By car via the B 62.
Bring cash, as the volunteer-run stalls mostly accept cash payments only. Shopping generously benefits a good cause.
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