History

“When did Schlitz ever see such a mass of people from every level of society within its walls? Thousands and thousands worked their way through the streets.”

This was to be read in the local press in 1927, and it could be placed unedited to be read in the paper today.  Back then the first "Trachtenfest" in Schlitz was a major success.  The fest replaced the summer festival of that time also known as the “Kirschenmarkt” (Cherry market).  How did it come to this great idea, the use of such a forum?

The actual roots come from the “Bauernfest” (Farmer Festival) in the neighboring village of Pfordt back in 1922.  It was a parade to show off the farmer’s lifestyle in Schlitzer Land and received around 9000 spectators.

Inspired by this success it is easy to understand that the decision to take on this idea was simple.  This then happened as the singing club “Harmonisches Kränzchen” (Harmonic Ladies Circle) celebrated its 70th birthday in 1926.  Back then a new brightly colored parade slithered through the streets bringing many spectators.  Then the decision was made to organize a Trachten Festival.  Even back then the subjects of interest were the same as today:  dancing, music, illumination, a parade, market stands and amusement park style activities to attract the public.

n war gefallen. Und schon damals glich das Schema in vielen Zügen dem der heutigen Veranstaltung: Tanz, Musik, Illumination, der Festzug, Marktstände und Vergnügungsunternehmen wirkten als Besuchermagnet.

A better marketing plan for supporting the hometown businesses, agriculture, industry and culture could not be imagined.  So in 1930 they decided to revitalize the festival again.  It would be the last of this type as unemployment and poverty took away the likelihood of it being repeated.

Then in 1934 the chance came.  Financial support from the government was provided for many Trachten groups throughout Hessen.  So each year for the next 6 years the Trachten festival was to be relived – and from 1936 until 1939 it also included open air theatrical performances depicting the customs and stories of the area.

In 1939 the Second World War began and put an end to the Trachten festival at least for the time being.  The war with all its madness, poverty and fate, left no place for exuberant partying.

But the memories of the “Nicest festival in the world” could not be destroyed by even the horrors of war.  So in 1951 a new beginning was made.  A new beginning that seamed the entire Schlitzer Land was just waiting to have happen.  The resonance and success of the festival was so enormous that since then it has been being put on every two years and seams as if nothing will ever stand in its way again