Tonnenabschlagen Ahrenshoop

Equestrian Tradition Since the 1920s

The Tonnenabschlagen Ahrenshoop has been organized by the Tonnenbund Ahrenshoop, Alt- und Niehagen e.V. since 1926 (with interruptions during the war years); it has taken place annually since 1983. It is part of a regional custom practiced in several locations on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula – with different dates in Wustrow, Klockenhagen, Prerow, Born, and Ahrenshoop.

Course of the Festival Day

The festival day begins at 9 a.m. with the "Ummarsch" – a procession of decorated riders and horses through the villages, during which the previous year's Tonnenkönig and Stäbenkönig are collected from their homes with music. This is followed by a communal breakfast. From approximately 12:30 p.m. / 3 p.m., the participants gallop under a high-hung wooden barrel and attempt to smash it piece by piece. Music, snacks, and a festive atmosphere accompany the entire day. The award ceremony and a festive ball follow in the evening.

The Four "Kings"

Four titles are awarded: Bodenkönig (the first to strike the bottom of the barrel), Stäbenkönig (the first to knock out a stave), Tonnenkönig (removes the last piece and is considered the king of the festival), and Sandkönig (the first to fall off the horse). The crowning takes place in the evening.

Regional Context

Ahrenshoop is located on the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula in the Vorpommern-Rügen district (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern). The Tonnenabschlagen is deeply rooted in the fishing and farming culture of the region; the herring barrel refers to the maritime tradition of the Baltic coast. Since 2017, the custom has been recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.