Maifest Schlich Langerwehe

May Tradition in Schlich

The Maifest in Schlich is one of the established, centuries-old traditional events in the Düren district. On Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, 2026, the traditional May Volksfest will take place at the Schützenplatz Schlich in Langerwehe-Schlich. The organizer is the Maigesellschaft Schlich-D'horn — one of the many May societies in the Düren-Aachen region that preserve the Rhenish Maypole tradition.

What is a Maigesellschaft?

The Maigesellschaften (May societies) are a specific Rhenish tradition: Young unmarried men (originally) formed voluntary societies that erected the Maypole in the village square on May 1st and organized the associated folk festival. The centerpiece is the erection of the Maibaum (a tall, debarked tree trunk), the traditional dancing around the Maypole, and the convivial gathering with beer, bratwurst, and live music. The Maigesellschaft Schlich-D'horn includes members from the two districts of Schlich and D'horn.

Program of the Maifest

The two-day program follows the traditional choreography:

• Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Festival kickoff, erection of the Maypole (if not already done on May 1st), festival tent opening with live music
• Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day — Father's Day): Main festival day with morning pint (Frühschoppen), family program, evening dance ball

The program typically includes:

• Festival tent with live music (Schlager, regional bands)
• Bratwurst, potato pancake (Reibekuchen), and cake stands
• Draught beer and cocktail bar
• Family program with children's activities
• Dance event on Thursday evening

Langerwehe and the Schlich district

Langerwehe is a municipality in the Düren district in the Rhineland region between Aachen and Cologne, on the edge of the Eifel. Schlich is one of the smaller districts with a village structure. The Maigesellschaft Schlich-D'horn maintains the close connection between the two districts — both villages celebrate the Maifest together, strengthening the village community and carrying on the tradition.