Pigfest to attract people from far and near

  • Published
  • By Iris Reiff
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Festival season is in full swing throughout Germany. Wine festivals occur everywhere along the Mosel River and in the Eifel area. There are tourists from Holland, Belgium, England and across the world are flocking to the area to enjoy the summer here. Several federal states in Germany just started school break, and many people will explore the Eifel's scenery, towns and festivals.

One such festival in the area is the annual Wittlich Saeubrenner Fest or pig festival.

According to legend, Wittlich was once a walled fortress constantly under attack by invaders. One evening, a guard charged with locking the gate to the besieged town couldn't find the peg to secure the fortified door. All he could find was a large carrot to wedge in the door. Later, a pig ate the carrot, the gate opened and in barged the enemy.

After the enemy ransacked the town, the angry townspeople herded every pig into the town's market square and roasted them.

Since then, Wittlich has been known as the town of the pig burners, and once a year it holds an annual festival that attracts thousands of visitors.

Activities take place Aug. 14-17 and feature a variety of entertainment events such as a handcraft market, an amusement park with more than 60 rides and game stands, musical performances, a wine street, and plenty of roasted pork. Pig festival visitors can also see an art exhibition at the Rathaus, or city hall.

During the event, there will be stages set up in the market square and on Pariser Platz, both located in the center of town. Music will be performed on both stages by both local music associations and bands, as well as popular groups known throughout Germany and Europe.

This one-of-a-kind festival kicks off Aug. 14 with a craftsmen's market on the city's Lieserplatz. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the festival. A concert by the Wittlich brass band is scheduled for 9 p.m. to midnight Aug. 14 in the city's main market square.

Also on Aug. 14, local residents will perform a special play at 9:15 p.m. in the city park and have a torch light procession through the streets of Wittlich, recreating the events that led to the fest. To see the entire event, start at the Tuermchen tower located in the center of town. The "Dirty Sheeps" band will perform 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the Pariser Platz stage.

The pig festival officially opens 3 p.m. Aug. 15 after the first pigs arrive in the market place via horse-drawn wagon. Wine stands open and the Wittlich brass band will take play at 3:30 p.m. in the market square. Traditional German brass band music will also be played on Pariser Platz from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The first pigs will be roasted on the spits and the Schweinebraten, or barbecued pork, will be available 3:30 p.m. to midnight. As with many European festivals, visitors first buy tickets and exchange them for pork. These tickets may be purchased at the tourist information office's window in the market square.

"Brass Machine" will perform on the Marktplatz stage from 9:15 p.m. to 12:24 a.m., "Wallstreet" will entertain visitors on Pariser Platz, starting at 9 p.m., and "Fairground" will perform in the market square 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sunday's activities feature musical performances by various local bands and music associations starting around 10:30 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon. Different bands will be on stage in the evening when the market square will be crowded with people dancing, singing and listening to the music.

Activities continue Monday with concerts by local bands starting at 10:30 a.m. and Schweinebraten will be available at noon. Children's entertainment will take place 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the market square with more music to follow. Celebrations end with musical entertainment by the "Wild Bobbin Baboons" band in the market square and by the "Sky" music band on Pariser Platz.

Although the pig festival officially ends late Monday night, the amusement park and food stands remain open Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m. for a Wittlich family day with reduced prices.

The festival is a main event in the area, and festival organizers expect thousands of visitors. Streets will be blocked to traffic because all celebrations occur either in the market square or close to the center of town.

For those people who plan to take children, beware that the city gets very crowded and alcohol is consumed at this festival. It is not recommended to bring small children in strollers.

There will be an increased police presence during the festival, patrolling the streets. It is recommended visitors who consume alcohol pre-arrange transportation by having a designated driver, reserving and hotel room or calling a taxi.