Haustadt — Maibaumsetzen and Fischerfest

Two Festivals, One Weekend

Haustadt — a district of the municipality of Beckingen in the Merzig-Wadern district — celebrates two traditions back-to-back on the night of April 30th to May 1st: the Maibaumsetzen on the eve and the Fischerfest on May Day. Both events attract numerous guests from all over the Saarland and are considered a fixture in the Beckingen event calendar.

The Maibaum on April 30th

As in many villages in the Saar region, the Maibaum is ceremoniously erected on the eve of May 1st. The decorated pole stands in the village center throughout May. The ritual begins in the late afternoon and transitions into a convivial gathering with music, grilled specialties, and a lively dance into May.

The Fischerfest on May 1st

On the morning of the May Day holiday, the Haustadt Angling Club (ASV Haustadt) takes over the festival grounds. Over the years, the Fischerfest has evolved into a culinary-focused folk event known far beyond the village borders. Fresh trout, baked carp, and salmon fillet are grilled, served with homemade sauces, salads, and draft beer. The atmosphere is familial, and the audience is multi-generational.

Village Culture as a Source of Identity

Behind the two festival days stands the Haustadt Association, an umbrella organization of local clubs that organizes theater evenings, variety shows, kite flying for children, concerts, and dialect afternoons throughout the year. The Maibaum and Fischerfest are two of its biggest highlights.

Haustadt — A Village with History

Haustadt was first mentioned in a document in 1147 and has been part of the municipality of Beckingen since the Saarland administrative reform of 1974. Its approximately 2,000 inhabitants maintain an unusually active club life — a successful model reflected in both festivals.