Osthofen Thanksgiving Festival / Autumn Festival

Osthofen, a Wine Town in Wonnegau

Osthofen is a small Rhenish-Hessian town with around 9,500 inhabitants, located in Wonnegau between Worms and Mainz. The town is surrounded by vineyards and fields and is one of the traditional wine-growing regions. The historic city center with Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, the old town hall, and the small church provides the ideal backdrop for various town festivals – from the Ostovius Market in spring to the Thanksgiving Festival in autumn.

The Thanksgiving Tradition

The Thanksgiving Festival has a centuries-old tradition in Germany's agricultural regions. Originally a religious festival with church services, Thanksgiving symbols, and processions, it has evolved in many places into a secular town or village festival that focuses on regional produce. In Osthofen, both traditions are combined: the religious appreciation of the harvest remains present through corresponding church services, while the secular festival celebrates the diversity of regional products.

Wine, Regional Produce, and Market

The focus of the festival is on the products of Rhenish-Hessian agriculture: wine from Osthofen vintners (Riesling, Silvaner, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, Federweißer), must, apple juice, regional fruits and vegetables, cheese, sausages, baked goods. Market stalls present products directly from the producers, supplemented by food stalls with warm dishes. Federweißer (young wine) with Zwiebelkuchen (onion cake), a Rhenish-Hessian specialty of the autumn season, is one of the classics.

Town Festival on Friedrich-Ebert-Straße

The festival grounds extend along Friedrich-Ebert-Straße in Osthofen's city center – the same street where the Ostovius Market also takes place. Market stalls, catering points, and a small stage for musical accompaniment will be set up. The Sunday shopping, which often accompanies the Thanksgiving Festival, attracts additional visitors who combine the town festival with a shopping trip.