Wittlicher Säubrennerkirmes

The Legend of the Säubrenner

The Säubrennerkirmes owes its name to a legend from the Middle Ages: a sow, so the story goes in Wittlich, once gnawed through the bolt of the city gate, thus allowing enemy troops to enter the city. As punishment, the people of Wittlich are said to have roasted the sow – and in memory of this episode, a whole pig has been roasted on a spit and ceremonially cut ever since during the Kirmes. Today, the roast pork is the central culinary and symbolic act of the festival.

Five Days of Folk Festival with Substance

With around a quarter of a million visitors over five days, the Säubrennerkirmes is one of the largest folk festivals in Rhineland-Palatinate. It traditionally begins on Friday with the tapping of the first keg, runs at full speed over the weekend, and concludes on Tuesday evening with a grand fireworks display. Throughout the festival, two stages are set up in the city center: the main stage at Marktplatz features larger cover bands and party bands, while the stage at Pariser Platz is more for regional acts, mood music, and programs aimed at emerging talent.

Parade on Saturday

The traditional centerpiece remains the grand parade on Saturday afternoon. Over 100 groups, floats, historical societies, traditional costume groups, brass bands, drum corps, and carnival clubs march through the city center. The parade ends at Marktplatz, where the ceremonial cutting of the spit-roasted pig takes place – usually by the mayor or a guest of honor. Thousands of visitors line the parade route.

Amusement Park and Showmen

In parallel with the concerts and the parade, a wide selection of showmen operates the amusement park: a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, wave swinger, children's rides, classic stalls, and snack stands characterize the cityscape. The mix of traditional folk festival character and big-city dimension is the specialty of the Säubrennerkirmes.