298th Ziegenhainer Salatkirmes
Largest Volksfest in the Schwalm since 1728 — six days of tradition in the Schwalm-Eder district
About Salatkirmes
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A Kirmes with Almost 300 Years of History
The history begins in 1728: Landgrave Karl of Hesse-Kassel hosted farmers from the Schwalm in Ziegenhain with a then-revolutionary dish — potatoes and salad. The tuber was new, the farmers were suspicious. But the Landgrave succeeded, and the «Lattchen» (Schwalm dialect for salad) became the trademark of a Kirmes that continues to this day every June.
298th Edition — Largest Volksfest in the Schwalm
2026 marks the 298th edition. For six days, the historic fortress town of Ziegenhain belongs to the Kirmes. People from the Schwalm-Eder district flock to Ziegenhain, joined by visitors from all over North Hesse — the Salatkirmes is not just a district festival, but a regional institution.
Tradition Meets Malle Party
The program oscillates between traditional Schwalm customs — costume wearers, parade with boys' and girls' choirs, brass band, Kirmes opening ceremony on the parade ground — and vibrant marquee entertainment: in 2026, the Malle party with DJ Düse and Lorenz Büffel is the highlight on Saturday. In addition, there are rock evenings, a duck race on the Schwalm river, and on the final day, a welcome for the town's new citizens with the «Schwalmgranaten».
Schwalm White Embroidery as World Heritage
Accompanying the Kirmes in 2026, an exhibition on Schwalm white embroidery will open — recognized as intangible cultural heritage. The Schwalm region is one of the oldest costume regions in Germany; the red cap and the blue dress are widely known.
Parade on Sunday
The highlight is the parade on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. Each year under a motto — 2026 «Professions in the Schwalm — Through the Ages». Over a thousand participants, floats, traditional costumes, music bands — a true Schwalm folklore show.
Salatkirmes — edition 2026
The Salatkirmes takes over the parade ground and the marquee for six days. It opens on Wednesday evening with the traditional Kirmes opening ceremony on the parade ground, followed by concerts, the parade, family events, and the Lattchen evening.
Programme Salatkirmes 2026
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 — Opening
- 7:00 PM — Traditional Kirmes Opening Ceremony on the parade ground with the Ziegenhain Brass Band and the Steina Project Choir
- Evening: Live performance by the band The Sunlights in the marquee
Thursday, June 4, 2026 — Lattchen and Tradition
- «Lattchessen» (traditional salad and potato meal) in the marquee
- 8th Duck Race on the Schwalm river — approx. 500 rubber ducks
- Opening of the exhibition «Intangible Cultural Heritage — Schwalm White Embroidery»
- Evening: Rock night with the band «Wild Night» — Free admission
Friday, June 5, 2026 — Keg Tapping
- 7:00 PM — Traditional parade from the Town Hall to the marquee
- Keg Tapping Ceremony with the band «Dezibel» — Free admission
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — Malle Party
- Morning: Traditional boys' and girls' choir serenades
- Afternoon: Family program
- Evening: Malle Party with Lorenz Büffel and DJ Düse (Tickets €15, groups €12)
Sunday, June 7, 2026 — Parade
- Morning: Ecumenical church service
- 2:00 PM — Grand Parade through Ziegenhain with the motto «Professions in the Schwalm — Through the Ages»
- Evening: Live concert by the band «Allen Head»
Monday, June 8, 2026 — Wind Down
- 10:30 AM — Fire department demonstration
- 11:30 AM — Welcome for new citizens with the band «Schwalmgranaten»
- 11 AM–8 PM — Family Day on the festival grounds
- 6:00 PM — After-Work Party with the band «Sunday»
Highlights Salatkirmes 2026
- 298th edition since 1728 — one of Hesse's oldest folk festivals
- Malle Party with Lorenz Büffel and DJ Düse (Saturday)
- Grand parade on Sunday — motto «Professions in the Schwalm»
- Schwalm White Embroidery as intangible cultural heritage
- Lattchessen — traditional salad and potato meal
- 8th Duck Race on the Schwalm river
Prices Salatkirmes 2026
Festival grounds are freely accessible. Malle Party (Sat) in advance €15, group tickets €12. Rock and Keg Tapping evenings (Thu/Fri) free admission. Lattchessen is subject to charge (food and drink).
Practical information — Salatkirmes
Getting There
Schwalmstadt-Treysa train station (RE/RB lines from Frankfurt/Kassel), then bus or walk (approx. 30 minutes) to Ziegenhain. By car: A49 exit Schwalmstadt, then follow signs for Ziegenhain. Parking spaces are signposted.
Admission
Festival grounds are free. Marquee concerts (especially Malle party Saturday) require advance tickets, with discounts for groups.
Tip
Come on Sunday afternoon for the parade. Have lunch beforehand («Lattchen» — salad and potatoes) in the marquee. Traditional costumes are welcome.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Salatkirmes al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Salatkirmes
Paradeplatz / Festplatz Ziegenhain
Paradeplatz / Festplatz Ziegenhain, 34613 Schwalmstadt