Turamichele Family Festival Augsburg

A Tradition from the 16th Century

The Turamichele is among Augsburg's oldest documented festival traditions. Its origins lie in the late Middle Ages: on September 29th, the day of Archangel Michael, a moving figure of the Archangel appeared in a window of the Perlachturm, defeating a dragon or devil with each full hour strike. Elias Holl, the famous Augsburg city architect, is said to have been involved in its construction. Over the centuries, the hourly spectacle evolved into the Turamichele – the diminutive form with an Upper German flair turns the venerable Archangel into a favourite of Augsburg's children.

The Legend

The story is remarkably simple and precisely why it is so effective: Archangel Michael once freed Augsburg from a dragon that lived in the surrounding forests. With sword and shield, he fought the beast – and won. The spectacle repeats itself to the rhythm of the tower clock on each festival day. Parents remember their own childhoods as their children count how many times Michael strikes down the dragon.

New Format During Perlachturm Renovation

Because the Perlachturm is undergoing extensive renovation and the mechanical figure cannot appear during these years, Augsburg Marketing, together with the world-famous Augsburger Puppenkiste, has developed a new format: a puppet show specially staged for the Turamichele tells the legend on a platform in the Rathausplatz, supplemented by large screens so that the audience in the side rows can see everything. The format was first implemented in 2025 and continued for 2026 – a modern response to the hiatus of the historical figure.

Program Around the Performances

• Hourly performances of the Turamichele legend by the Puppenkiste.
• Release of peace balloons after each performance.
• Balloon raffle with prizes for the children.
• Hands-on activities and child-friendly stalls.
• Gastronomy and refreshments around the Rathausplatz.

Augsburg and its Renaissance Traditions

The Turamichele is part of a series of vibrant customs that Augsburg has maintained since the Renaissance. The Fugger city in the Swabia administrative region (Bavaria) is one of Germany's oldest cities, combining rich patrician architecture, Jewish heritage, and a modern festival scene. Those who come to Augsburg in September can combine the family day with a stroll through Maximilianstraße, a visit to the Fuggerei, or a Mozart house concert.