Erntedankfest Düsseldorf-Urdenbach facts for kids
The Erntedankfest (which means "harvest festival" in English) in Düsseldorf-Urdenbach is a super fun yearly celebration. It's a time when people in this part of Düsseldorf come together to thank God for all the good things the harvest brings. This festival is almost 90 years old and has about 40 groups taking part. It's one of the biggest and most important harvest festivals in the Rhineland area! The celebration includes church services, huge parades, and lots of music, creating a lively fair atmosphere.
The Story Behind the Harvest Festival
The Erntedankfest is a really important tradition for Urdenbach. It's one of the biggest events in the south of Düsseldorf and the Rheinland.
Long ago, in the early 1900s, Urdenbach was mostly farmland. Farmers celebrated the Erntedankfest to thank God for their crops. But over time, many farmers stopped farming. The few who remained couldn't keep the tradition going by themselves.
So, in the mid-1900s, a group called the ABVU (which stands for "General Citizens Association of Urdenbach") stepped in. They took over organizing the Erntedankfest, and they still do it today! Now, most of the groups who join don't have a farming background. Instead, they all share a love for Urdenbach's traditions.
What Happens at the Festival?
The main Erntedankfest parade always happens on the first Sunday after September 29th. That date is called Michaelistag (or Michaelmas). The whole Erntedankfest celebration lasts from Friday to Monday. The events are pretty much the same every year.
It all kicks off on Friday evening with a special church service in one of Urdenbach's churches.
On Saturday, most groups spend the day getting their parade floats ready. In the evening, everyone gathers in a huge party tent at a place called Piel's Loch. This is the local fairground. There's special entertainment, usually with a DJ and a live band playing music.
Sunday is a big day! Around 11 AM, there's a concert at Piel's Loch. People can also enjoy a traditional meal there.
At 1 PM, all the Erntedankfest groups meet up to get ready for the big parade. The parade starts at 2 PM and is the highlight of the weekend! About 40 groups show off their amazing creations. They have traditionally decorated tractors and trailers. You'll also see old farming tools and group members wearing traditional costumes. Up to 40,000 visitors line the streets of Urdenbach to watch the parade go by!
Right after the parade, there's a fun "Schürreskarrenrennen." This means "traditional wheelbarrow race" in English. Members from different groups race a set distance. They use decorated wheelbarrows and wear traditional costumes, including big, clunky clogs. The winner of this race is announced later in the party tent.
In the late afternoon, people from Urdenbach and guests celebrate together. They party in the tent, visit local pubs, and enjoy drinks at many beer stalls around the area.
On Monday, the "Blotschenball" takes place. This means "clogs ball." It's where the new "Blotschenkönigspaar" (or "royal clogs couple") is announced.
Throughout the whole weekend, you can find funfair rides and snack stalls at the fairground at Piel's Loch.
