Wittlicher Säubrennerkirmes
Largest folk festival in the region centered around the Säubrenner legend with a parade, amusement park, and two concert stages
About Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich
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.
Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich — edition 2026
The Säubrennerkirmes 2026 follows the proven concept: opening on Friday evening with the tapping of the first keg, full festival operation on the weekend, a grand parade on Saturday, a quieter family day on Tuesday, and fireworks to conclude.
Two concert stages provide music throughout the entire duration: the main stage at Marktplatz features major cover bands and party music, while the second stage at Pariser Platz is for regional bands, mood music, and programs aimed at emerging talent. The exact program and artist list for 2026 will be published by the City of Wittlich in July on the official website.
Programme Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich 2026
Schedule 14 – 18 August 2026
The exact 2026 program will be published by the organizer in spring/summer. The structure follows the proven key points of previous years:
- Friday 14.08.: Opening evening with tapping of the keg at Marktplatz, followed by first concerts on both stages, amusement park in operation
- Saturday 15.08.: Day of the grand parade in the afternoon (over 100 groups) with subsequent cutting of the roast pork; in the evening, main concert on the Marktplatz stage
- Sunday 16.08.: Family day with special afternoon program, brass band and folklore performances, concerts in the evening
- Monday 17.08.: Day of the clubs, regional bands, mood music until late at night
- Tuesday 18.08.: Closing day with family prices in the amusement park, grand fireworks display in the evening
Showmen and Amusement Park
Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, wave swinger, haunted house, classic children's carousels, snack stands, candy stalls, and numerous traditional folk festival attractions are open throughout the five days.
Highlights Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich 2026
Prices Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich 2026
Practical information — Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich
Getting There
Wittlich is located directly on the A 1 / A 60 (Wittlich exit). The Wittlich train station (Trier–Koblenz line) is connected. During the Kirmes, extended bus shuttles run from surrounding communities. Due to high traffic volume, traveling by public transport or using designated Park & Ride facilities is recommended.
Admission
Admission to the festival grounds is free. Rides and food are paid for on-site.
Safety and Families
During the festival, medical services and police are on increased duty. There is a family/children's afternoon (usually on Tuesday) with reduced prices for rides.
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