Würzburger Allerheiligenmesse

A Würzburg Institution Since the Middle Ages

The Würzburger Allerheiligenmesse is, alongside the spring and Kiliani fairs, the third of Würzburg's three classic market fairs. Its history dates back to 1227, when King Henry (VII) granted the city the right to hold an autumn fair. Since then, the fair has been a firm fixture in the annual event calendar of the city of Würzburg in the Bavarian administrative district of Lower Franconia, marking the transition into the cold season.

Häfelesmess – The Name Reveals the Tradition

In colloquial speech, the Allerheiligenmesse is affectionately called Häfelesmess, derived from the Franconian word 'Häfele' for earthenware jug or pot. Even though the range of goods has long since expanded beyond pottery, the name recalls its original significance as a market for earthenware. Today, stalls selling basketry, kitchenware, household items, textiles, warm socks, and culinary specialities line the Oberer and Unterer Markt around the Marienkapelle.

Martini-Kirchweih as a Second Pillar

Since 1972, the Martini-Kirchweih has taken place concurrently with the Allerheiligenmesse on the Unterer Markt. Both events merge into an atmospheric autumn experience in the historic city centre, against the backdrop of the late Gothic Marienkapelle and Würzburg's old town.

A Stroll Through the Würzburg Autumn

The Allerheiligenmesse is not an amusement park with rides, but a classic sales market for browsing, looking, and shopping. It's pleasant to stroll between the stalls, with the scent of candied almonds and bratwurst in the air. For many Würzburg residents, visiting the Häfelesmess is as much a part of autumn as the colourful foliage in the surrounding vineyards.

Location in the District and Region

The event takes place in the independent city of Würzburg, the cultural and economic centre of Lower Franconia in the Free State of Bavaria. Würzburg is known far beyond the region as a city of wine and a residence city with the UNESCO World Heritage site Würzburg Residence.