Johannisbier in Leiha

Tradition from the Geiseltal Valley

If you are traveling in the south of the Saalekreis district and want to experience a typical Central German folk festival, Johannisbier in Leiha is a worthwhile stop. Leiha is a district of the town of Braunsbedra in the Geiseltal valley – a region that has reinvented itself after the end of open-cast lignite mining around Lake Geiseltal. In the meantime, villages like Leiha and neighboring Roßbach hold fast to their traditional festival dates: the Pfingstbier in Roßbach, the Johannisbier in Leiha – each with its own citizens' or lads' society.

Johannisburschen and Beer for the Solstice

The Johannisbier dates back to the festival of John the Baptist (June 24) and marks the summer solstice. In Leiha, the Johannisburschen (lads' society) open the festival with their traditional entry onto the sports field, followed by a morning pint with music from the Roßbacher Musikanten. In the evening, a live band plays for dancing – in past years, for example, Weißenfels's «FaZit».

Tractor and Vintage Car Meeting

A special feature is the tractor and vintage car meeting on the festival day: old tractors – including many East German classics like ZT 300, Famulus, or MTS – gather on the sports field. An additional attraction for families, a small highlight for lovers of agricultural technology in the Saalekreis district.

Geiseltal Valley and Saalekreis

Leiha belongs to the town of Braunsbedra in the Saalekreis district (State of Saxony-Anhalt). Within reach are Lake Geiseltal – one of the largest artificial lakes in Germany – the animal paradises on the southern shore, and the cathedral city of Merseburg. Those visiting the Johannisbier can easily combine their stay with a walk by the lake.