Top 10 Traditions In & Around Munich
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1. Schäfflertanz
Every seven years, the Dance of the Coopers is performed to commemorate the end of the plague in the 15th century.
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2. Dance of the Market Wives
Viktualienmarkt market women perform a dance in fancy dress.
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3. Starkbier Season
Since “liquids don’t count during fast-time,” monks brewed a nourishing ale during the lenten fast, a tradition that has survived to this day. Bavaria’s “fifth season” is launched by the ceremonial breaching of bock beer barrels, the most famous being the Salvator breaching on Nockherberg.
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4. Maypole
Most Bavarian towns and communities raise decorated May-poles on 1 May, a custom dating back to the Middle Ages when the “tree of life” was thought to bring success. Overnight, the Maypole is guarded by local youths: If a Maypole is stolen, it has to be ransomed with many barrels of beer.
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5. Corpus Christi Procession
Corpus Christi processions are held throughout southern Bavaria – the largest is in Munich – to mark this important Catholic feast day.
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6. Kocherl Ball
Annual “Cook’s Ball,” where costumed couples dance a Bavarian waltz and polka at 6am at the foot of the Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten. This tradition harks back to an annual ball for Munich’s domestic servants.
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7. Leonhardi Processions
Bad Tölz, Schliersee, Murnau, and many Bavarian towns stage processions on horseback or in painted carts in honour of St Leonard, the patron saint of horses.
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8. Christkindlmarkt
Wonderful Christmas markets with stalls, mulled wine, and treats. On Marienplatz and in many other areas of the city.
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9. Alphorn, Yodeling & Schuhplattler
The Alphorn was a means of communication between cow-herders across long distances, as was yodelling, which evolved into a style of singing. Young men danced the Schuhplattler – a folk dance involving much slapping of shoe soles. These traditions are a mainstay at regional folk festivals.
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10. Folk Dress
Each region has its own distinctive folk dress, and folklore associations keep the tradition alive, parading regional costumes in processions and at festivals such as the Wiesn.
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