Krefeld-Uerdingen's Pantaleon-Fair Set to Open on July 25th
The small town of Uerdingen, Germany, plays host to a centuries-old tradition every year: the Kirmess. This fair, with its roots tracing back to 1462, has been a significant event in the town's calendar for over six centuries.
Originally granted by Archbishop Dietrich of Cologne in February 1462, the Kirmess was initially held on St. Lawrence's Day, August 10th. Merchants from near and far would flock to Uerdingen every year to offer their wares.
However, in the early 20th century, the date of the Kirmess was changed to better align with the traditional feast day of St. Pantaleon, the town's patron saint. This change was intended to strengthen the local religious and cultural significance of the fair. The Kirmess is now celebrated starting on the Sunday before St. Pantaleon's Day, July 27th.
During the Kirmess, the streets and alleys of Uerdingen are adorned with garlands, and houses are decorated with blue and red flags. Many houses are freshly painted for the event. The fairground is a social event for the Uerdingers, and visiting it is a cherished tradition.
The Kirmess is officially opened by the district mayor, who swings a cylinder from the town hall balcony. Following the opening ceremony, barrel organ players fill the historic market square, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Throughout the Kirmess days, families bake and cook special foods, including a fair cake with raisins, almonds, citron, and roast. A roller coaster was built in Uerdingen for the first time in 1920, adding an exciting element to the fair.
In the second half of the 19th century, fairground plots were drawn by lottery 14 days before the start of the fair. The Archbishop guaranteed safe conduct for all visitors for three days before and after the fair, except for enemies of the Archbishopric and convicted criminals.
Unfortunately, specific archival records pinpointing the exact year of the date change are scarce. However, it is generally understood that the adjustment was part of a broader movement in the region to connect local festivals more directly to their patron saints and traditional church calendars in the early 1900s.
In addition, the Monday of the Kirmess was established as a day off in the 20th century for many administrative officials and industrial companies. The Kirmess days still end with a big fireworks display, providing a spectacular finale to this long-standing tradition.
Despite the French period in the summer, when the Kirmess was not held, the tradition has endured, becoming an integral part of Uerdingen's cultural heritage. Today, the Kirmess remains a cherished event, bringing the community together to celebrate their rich history and traditions.
What is the new date of the Kirmess in Uerdingen, given that it was initially held on St. Lawrence's Day and was later changed to better align with the traditional feast day of St. Pantaleon, the town's patron saint?
During the Kirmess, homes in Uerdingen are not only adorned with traditional garlands but are also decorated with blue and red flags, reflecting a vibrant lifestyle that mixes tradition and celebration in every corner of the home-and-garden.
