Katharinenmarkt Steinau an der Straße

Market rights since 1290

When King Rudolf I of Habsburg granted Steinau town and market rights in 1290, this also included the privilege of holding a market regularly. The Katharinenmarkt developed from this charter and is now considered one of the oldest continuously celebrated markets in Hesse. It is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of Steinau, whose feast day is November 25th.

From Patron Saint's Day to Town Festival

Originally celebrated on November 25th, the date was later moved to the third weekend in October – simply because the late autumn weather in November was too inhospitable for traders, showmen, and visitors. In 2026, the market will run from October 15th to 18th. The town – birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, a hub on the historic Via Regia – transforms into a vibrant market village for four days with hundreds of stalls, amusement rides, and a festival tent.

Two festival areas – the Old Town and the Mauerwiese

The market fair stretches along Brüder-Grimm-Straße through the historic old town with its half-timbered houses and Renaissance castle. The Mauerwiese hosts the festival tent and amusement rides – carousels, dodgems, a Ferris wheel, and smaller rides. Those who stroll leisurely through the programme will always find short distances to the cafés and restaurants in the old town between the market and the Mauerwiese.

Opening with Lantern Procession and Barrel Tapping

The traditional opening evening on Thursday begins at 6:30 PM with a lantern procession through the old town, in which Steinau children and clubs participate with homemade lanterns. At 7:00 PM, the official opening follows, and at 8:30 PM, the barrel tapping ceremony takes place in the festival tent by the mayor – officially marking the start of the market.

Brothers Grimm Town

Steinau is closely connected with the Brothers Grimm – Jacob and Wilhelm spent their childhood here, in their father's office, which is now the Brüder-Grimm-Haus. Those who combine the Katharinenmarkt with a visit to the birthplace of the famous fairytale collectors experience two Steinau classics in one weekend.