Lichtenberg Homeland and Meadow Festival

Over 190 Years of Meadow Festival Tradition

The Homeland and Meadow Festival in Lichtenberg is one of the most beautiful festivals in the Frankenwald and has been celebrated annually since 1832 – a tradition unique in the Hof district. The first Meadow Festival took place on Friday, July 27, 1832, as a school festival: it was intended to provide entertainment for the children while promoting diligence and learning.

Flower Arches, Flower Dance, and Crossbow Shooting

To this day, artfully tied flower arches characterize the festival's appearance. The girls dance their flower dances in traditional red skirts, while the boys compete in crossbow shooting – with crossbows made on-site. In addition, there is an eagle shooting for everyone, the traditional Hammelkegeln (a type of skittles game), and children's games.

Parade to the Frankenwaldsee

The highlight is the festively decorated parade from the castle hill down to the festival grounds at the Frankenwaldsee, where the festival is celebrated with music, catering, and convivial gatherings as a summer highlight for young and old. For three days, the festival grounds transform into a meeting point for the entire region.

Support Association and the Town of Lichtenberg

The festival is supported by the town of Lichtenberg and the Förderverein Heimat- und Wiesenfest e.V. (Support Association for the Homeland and Meadow Festival). Lichtenberg, with its castle, is located in the Frankenwald Nature Park on the border with Thuringia – a scenically attractive setting for one of Upper Franconia's most traditional homeland festivals.