Walpurgisnacht and Dance into May on Erfurt Cathedral Square

Walpurgis Night in Erfurt – Tradition Meets Spectacle

Walpurgis Night is deeply rooted in Central Germany: the ancient custom dates back to pre-Christian spring festivals, where the clash of winter and summer was symbolized with fires and exuberant dances. In Erfurt, the state capital of Thuringia and the seat of the district of the independent city, Cathedral Square with its unique double church forms one of Germany's most beautiful stages for this festival.

Cathedral Square – Stage, Maypole, and Fire

The expansive Cathedral Square becomes a festival mile: food stalls offer Bratwurst, Schmalzkuchen, mulled wine, and beer. At the center is the Maypole, which is decorated and erected by Erfurt kindergarten children the day before – a modern tradition that anchors the festival in the city's community. As dusk falls over the towers of the Cathedral and St. Severus Church, the real spectacle begins.

An Evening-Long Program

The City of Erfurt relies on a proven dramaturgy: traditional dances by the Thuringian Folklore Ensemble, witch and devil spectacles, the large Maypole bonfire, and finally live music into the night. Families with children find their place in the early evening, while younger guests dance into May with the band Mr. Jam.

Erfurt and Thuringian May Traditions

The festival double of Walpurgis Night / Dance into May is one of the largest Volksfeste at the beginning of the year in Thuringia. While other federal states celebrate Walpurgis mainly in the Harz Mountains, Erfurt has established its own urban variant with Cathedral Square and its central location at the junction of the A4/A71 motorways.