Festive anticipation: 297th Ziegenhainer salad fair starts soon!

Festive anticipation: 297th Ziegenhainer salad fair starts soon!

On June 15, 2025, there is great anticipation in Schwalmstadt, because the 297th Ziegenhainer Salad Fair will begin in just a few days. The traditional event takes place from June 18th to 23rd and promises a celebration for the whole family that is full of regional charm and lots of community spirit. The fairground singing on the opening day at 7 p.m. on the parade ground marks the celebratory start, with the Ziegenhain trombone choir and the Steina project choir, among others, providing musical highlights. Visitors can also look forward to the band “The Sunlights”, which will provide musical accompaniment to the festival.

What can guests expect on the fair days? A colorful series of events that never leaves you bored. On fair Thursday, for example, the traditional latte meal in the festival tent and the 7th Ziegenhain duck race on the Schwalm are on the program. One of the highlights is the opening of the exhibition “Vincent Burek – 50th anniversary of his death” in the Schwalm Museum. The crowning conclusion of Thursday is a rock evening with the band “Just Queen”, where, to be honest, everyone gets a real bargain at the entrance price of only 8 euros.

Festive highlights

Friday begins with a celebratory march from the town hall to the festival tent, which starts at 7 p.m. The festival tent will be ceremoniously opened, with the event being accompanied by music from “Next Chapter”. Entry is free!

On the Saturday of the fair, visitors are entertained with a serenade play by the fraternity in the city area. For the little guests there is a special children's afternoon in the festival tent. These activities not only strengthen community but also promote intergenerational bonds. Finally, on fair Sunday, an ecumenical service will be celebrated in the festival tent, followed by an impressive parade at 2 p.m. under the motto “50 Years of the German Fairy Tale Route”. Here you can also experience young musicians on the “Schwälmer Neue Bühne” who present the region’s new talents.

Fair Monday is all about the fire department and the new citizens. At 10:30 a.m. there will be a fire drill on the parade ground, followed by a celebratory reception for the new residents in the festival tent, where they will be musically welcomed with the “Schwalmgranaten”. The family day attracts people to the fairground from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family-friendly prizes - there is something for everyone!

Cultural roots and sense of community

The Ziegenhainer salad fair not only has a high status in the community, but also in the region. On June 2, 2025, Homberg (Efze) and Schwalmstadt received the award as “European Reformation City”. This honor was presented by the Community of Evangelical Churches in Europe in Vienna, and Mayor Tobias Kreuter expressed his enthusiasm for the significance of this award for the two cities, which are now part of an international network of 104 cities.

Cultural festivals such as the salad fair offer insights into history and strengthen local identity. They are an expression of origin and sense of community. Visitors can look forward to a colorful program that not only maintains traditions, but also creates a space for modern influences. Events like this show how important social cohesion is in the region and how much joy there is in community and customs.

The tickets for the lettuce eating and duck racing are available at the tourist information office and online at salatkirmes.de or by email. It's worth planning in advance and inviting family or friends to experience this beautiful tradition! The Ziegenhainer salad fair is waiting – and it will be a festival that you shouldn’t miss!