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Wittlich to become 'Festival City' for Pigfest 2015

  • Published
  • By Iris Reiff
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Preparations are in full swing for the famous Wittlich Pig Burner's festival to take place Aug. 14-17, 2015 in Wittlich, Germany.

Activities will take place four days straight in areas to include the Markplatz or main market square, the pedestrian zone or on Schlossplatz. The city will turn into one large party mile for visitors to enjoy.

This unique festival with ancient tradition and a legend is an event that people talk about weeks out in anticipation for its arrival. According to city organizers, the festival not only attracts local residents from the larger Wittlich area, but also visitors and tourists from all over the country, from Belgium and Luxemburg and even from the United States.

Those people who trust legends may understand why Wittlich is so famous for its pigs, and why residents roast pigs to this date in memory of an event that took place centuries ago.

Legend has it that a gate guard, who was charged with securing the gate to the walled fortress city, couldn't find the peg to the door one evening. Instead, he used a carrot. Unfortunately a pig arrived and ate the carrot, causing the door to open, allowing the enemy to come in. As a result, the angry citizens herded every pig into a fire in the market square and roasted them.

FESTIVAL PLAY

The festival always starts off with a play, featuring this legend. Although the play is in German and goes on for quite a long time, it may be an experience for base members to see the introduction and take photos of the actors -- some of them dressed in pig costumes and ancient costumes.

OPENING EVENTS

This year's play is scheduled for 9:30 p.m., Aug. 14, at the Wittlich Stadtpark or city park. Beware that prior to the play, a local gun club will fire off some loud salute shots at about 9:15 p.m.

As a highlight following the play, a torch light procession will march into the market square to signify the opening of the pig burner's festival. Amusement rides will open at 6 p.m.

OUTSTANDING MUSIC PERFORMANCES AT TWO STAGES IN TOWN

There will be two music stages for local bands to perform.

The first stage is the "Sparkasse" music stage located in the market square; performances on the Sparkasse stage include:

-The "Wind Orchestra Wittlich" band at 9 p.m., Aug. 14
-The "SWR 3" band at 9 p.m., Aug. 15
-The "Familie Hossa" band at 9 p.m., Aug. 16
-The "Stagefire" band at 3:15 p.m. Aug. 17
-The "RoxxBusters" band at 9 p.m. Aug. 17 

Other performances like local music associations will occur throughout the festival on this stage.

The second music stage will be located on Pariser Platz; performances at the Pariser Platz stage will include:
-The "Gooseflesh" band at 9 p.m., Aug. 14
-The "Stargate" band at 9:15 p.m., Aug. 15
-A jazz concert with the "Mark-Schelzke-Quartette" at 11 a.m. Aug. 16
-The "Timeless" band at 9 p.m., Aug. 16
-The "Los Glasos" band at 4 p.m., Aug. 17
-The "MARTHA" band at 5 p.m., Aug. 17 
-The "Rockpiloten" band at 9:15 p.m., Aug. 17

CRAFTSMEN'S MARKET ON LIESERPLATZ

The annual craftsmen's market on the city's Lieserplatz will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the festival. The market will feature handcraft items at a cost as well as candy booths.

HORSE WAGON BRINGS PIGS INTO THE MARKET SQUARE

Among the highlights of each year's event is the arrival of the first pigs via horse-drawn wagon in the market square. This happens at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15. Then the first pigs will be roasted on the spits and the "Schweinebraten" or barbecued pork will be ready at 3:30 p.m.

Visitors, who would like to taste the popular pork schnitzel must buy tickets first and then exchange them for the meal. These tickets may be purchased at the tourist information office's window in the market square, not far from the roast booth.

WINE STANDS OPEN WITH MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT BY VARIOUS MUSICIANS

Wine stands will open up and musical entertainment will be provided throughout the pedestrian zone, both in the market square and in the nearby Pariser Platz as well as in front of the "Schlossgalerie" shopping mall.

LOCAL MUSIC ASSOCIATION PERFORMANCES

Activities continue Sunday, Aug. 16, with musical performances by various local bands, starting at 11 a.m. in the market.

Schweinebraten or pork meat will be available to visitors again from noon-midnight Aug. 17.

AVOID THE BUSIEST TIMES OF THE FESTIVAL WITH CHILDREN

The busiest time of the festival is Saturday, Aug. 16, between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. the next morning. It is not recommended to bring small children to the festival at this time because of the large crowds.

GIANT WHEEL WINE PROBE

Another highlight of this year's festival is a wine probe at the Giant Ferries Wheel from 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 16.

LASER SHOWS

Two laser shows which will last about 15 minutes each will take place at 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at the central bus station, located between the amusement park and festival areas.

FOOD BOOTHS AND HIGHLIGHT ATTRACTIONS

Food booths of every kind can be found throughout the festival and at the amusement park which offers more than 60 rides and game stands. Among the highlights will be the giant Ferris wheel, a speed-ride, a kids' coaster, a ghost train, carrousels, hose rides and much more. 

CHILDRENS' ENTERTAINMENT

Children's entertainment will take place from 3-4 p.m. Aug. 16 in the pedestrian areas.

Although festival activities come to an end Aug. 17, the amusement park will stay open until 5 p.m. Aug. 18 for parents and their children. Reduced fares will be offered between 1 and 5 p.m. that day. Some food stands will also remain open Tuesday, Aug. 18.  Wittlich offers a family day, offering reduced prices for kids.

FLOWER AUCTION

A flower auction is popular among the festival visitors every year, offering various plants at low cost. The flower truck can be found on the street in the amusement park area.

BE SAFE

For those who plan to take children, be aware that the city gets crowded and that alcohol is consumed at the event.

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE

People driving to the festival should remember not to drink and drive. Plan ahead.

Taxis will be available and increased police patrols will be enforcing the laws throughout the pig festival. People must arrange transportation prior to consuming alcohol at the festival.