Salatenkirmes in Ziegenhain: Traditional approach starts celebration!

Salatenkirmes in Ziegenhain: Traditional approach starts celebration!

The anticipation for the Salatkirmes is great in Ziegenhain, because on Wednesday evening the traditional event will be on the historical Paradeplatz opened. This folk festival, which is now looking back on almost 300 years of history, is not only a festival for the delicacies, but also an important part of the cultural identity of the region.
The salad fair was originally launched in order to make the potato tasty to the Schwälm farmers. Landgrave Karl invited the farmers to a feast in 1728, where there were potatoes and salad. While the potatoes met with little enthusiasm, the salad developed into the main actor of the celebrations.

This year's salad fair finds from 18. until June 23, 2025 and awaits numerous visitors who can look forward to a varied program. Not only the community is celebrated on the traditional approach on Wednesday evening, but also the start for many exciting days.

a festival for young and old

Visitors can look forward to a diverse offer. There is a colorful hustle and bustle with rides, food stalls and live music in the marquee on the avenue. A special highlight will be the goat grove duck race on Thursday, which will inspire both small and large. The “Ziegenhainer Eve” is planned on Friday, a sociable occasion with a barrel tapping and greeting, followed by a fair party on Saturday evening.

Another traditional event is the "Lattchen", which takes place on Monday. Here, new goats get a salad head tied to the arm and may throw it into the air, a custom that symbolizes the inclusion in the community. The big pageant event on Sunday will form the crowning glory of the fun fair and attract numerous spectators.

a look into the past

The salad fair has its roots in the small fortress city of Ziegenhain, which experienced tourist upswing during the 1970s. During this time, international guests, especially from Japan, were attracted. The level of awareness of the German fairy tale road increased, which is closely connected to the historical place Ziegenhain. Over the years, the region has made a name for itself through its culinary offer, the Schwalm kitchen and the cultural heritage.

For this year's salad fair, visitors will get their money's worth from Wednesday to Monday. The opening times are from:

• Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. - 02:00 a.m.
• Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - midnight
• Friday: 7:00 p.m. - midnight
• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - midnight
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• Monday: 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Admission to the pageant on Sunday has to be inquired about at the organizer. Further information can be found on the website of the Salatkirmes. The salad fair promises an unforgettable experience for all generations and a wonderful testimony of the Hessian tradition.