Vaihingen - Maientag

The Vaihingen May Day is the oldest secular festival in the town of Vaihingen an der Enz and takes place annually over the Whitsun holidays.

History and origins:

The roots of May Day go back a long way, possibly as far as the 15th century. It began as a school festival in connection with the founding of the Latin school in Vaihingen. Pupils and teachers would parade outside the town to the so-called Egelsee, where they would spend a whole day playing and dancing. An important part of this was the ‘Lauf nach dem Maien’, where rods (green branches) were collected and carried into the town in the evening. By the 18th century at the latest, the school festival had developed into a celebration for the entire townspeople, which entertained young and old and also attracted visitors from outside the town.

Traditions and programme

May Day is deeply rooted in the traditions of Vaihingen and is characterised by the following highlights:

- Day watch:The day begins at 4.30 a.m. on Whit Monday with the day watch, during which serenades are played throughout the town.

- Parade:A major highlight is the traditional parade on Whit Monday. Numerous delegations from clubs, schools and groups take part. The ‘Alamannic clan of Faho’, the presumed namesake of the town, is just as much a part of the parade as historical depictions and festively decorated floats.

- Opening on the market square: May Day is officially opened on the market square, followed by a cheerful and festive hustle and bustle.

- Festwiese am Egelsee: The amusement park with rides, a wine village and a bistro tent are located on the Egelsee festival site. There is live music and entertainment every day.

- May Day celebration at the Rondell: After the parade, a traditional May Day celebration takes place at the Rondell, where songs, poems and dances are performed.

- Punting trips: Recently, public punting trips on the River Enz have also been offered, which must be booked in advance at the Culture and Tourist Information Centre.

- Post-May Day: The Tuesday after Whit Monday is the so-called ‘Post-May Day’, which traditionally ends with a large **firework display** on the festival meadow and communal singing on the market square.

- Music and culture: The festival is accompanied by numerous musical performances, including open-air concerts by the Vaihingen Music Association and musical matinees by the Youth Music School. Church services are also part of the programme.

The Vaihingen May Day is a living testimony to the town's history and a festival that delights locals and visitors alike.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- by train - Vaihingen an der Enz railway station (distance 2.6 km)

- by bus - bus stop Enzbrücke

By car:

- Venue: Egelsee fairground

Parking facilities:

- Car park at the sports centre (Walter-de-Pay-Straße)

- Car park (Walter-de-Pay-Straße)

- Car park (Im Holzgarten 5)

- Car park (Enzgasse)

- Car park (Im Mühlkanal 16)

- Multi-storey car park (Köpfwiesenweg 3)

- Underground car park (Heilbronner Straße)