Maibaumstellen Wustweiler

A Saarland Maypole Tradition from the Heart of the Community

The Maibaumstellen (Maypole erection) is one of Germany's oldest spring traditions. In Wustweiler, a district of the municipality of Illingen with about 1,800 inhabitants in the Neunkirchen district, this custom is particularly warmly cherished: Three associations work together on the festival – the Heimat- und Verkehrsverein Wustweiler (HuVV - Heritage and Tourism Association), the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Wustweiler (FFW - Volunteer Fire Brigade), and the Obst- und Gartenbauverein (Fruit and Gardening Association).

Children at the Center

A special feature of the Saarland is the involvement of first-graders: They decorate the Maypole with colorful ribbons, wear specially made T-shirts, and march with the fire brigade in the Maypole procession to the "Kelter", Wustweiler's traditional festival grounds. There, the firefighters raise the pole using long poles – a powerful and impressive action for the children.

Saarland Club Gastronomy for the Night of May

The Fruit and Gardening Association provides the culinary delights: Saarland Bratwurst (sausage), fries, salads, and of course, cold beer are a must. There is also a Maibowle (May punch) stand and non-alcoholic drinks for children and families. Live music and dancing accompany the evening long after sunset – a "Tanz in den Mai" (Dance into May) the Saarland way.

Wustweiler and the Illtal Valley

Wustweiler is located in the Illtal valley, a typical Saarland low mountain range landscape in the Neunkirchen district. The municipality of Illingen, to which Wustweiler belongs, has a total of seven districts and is a core Saarland area for club life and village community. Anyone who experiences the Maibaumstellen in Wustweiler sees the Saarland in its most traditional form.