Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes

The Whole Town Celebrates

Mühlhausen is one of the most important medieval imperial cities in Thuringia — and home to one of Germany's largest folk festivals. The Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes has existed in documented form since the late 19th century and is organized by the Traditionsverein Mühlhäuser Heimatfeste e.V. For ten days, showmen, clubs, and "Kirmesgemeinden" (festival communities) transform the old town, especially the Blobach (central festival grounds), into a continuous festival mile.

Kirmesgemeinden — The Soul of the Festival

Unlike a pure showman's funfair, the Kirmesgemeinden play a central role in Mühlhausen: district and club communities (e.g., "Weg zum Eigenheim", Kirmesgemeinde Spielmannszug) contribute their own program points, parades, dances, and musical contributions to the Kirmes. Each Kirmesgemeinde has its own character and traditions — together they carry the festival.

Traditions in a Fixed Order

• Opening on the first Friday — Kirmes cake, children's singing, traditional tapping of the first keg of beer
• First Weekend — Grand parade of the Kirmesgemeinden on Sunday through the old town
• Weekly Program — daily rides, stage programs, concerts
• Closing Sunday — Grand Kirmesbrennen (festival burning), traditional burning of a symbolic Kirmes doll as conclusion

Medieval Setting

The venue is the Blobach and the historic old town with its preserved city walls, towers, and St. Mary's Church. This backdrop gives the Mühlhäuser Stadtkirmes a unique character — funfair plus medieval atmosphere. Admission is free.