Sow Participates in Porcine Competition Sparks Animal Rights Demonstration against Söder
First Viechtach Pig Festival Ignites Debate in Lower Bavaria
Viechtach, Bavaria - The long-anticipated pig grilling competition in the idyllic Bavarian town of Viechtach finally commenced, stirring passions and drawing lines between meat-eaters, vegans, and animal rights activists. Despite the tension, the event progressed peacefully.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) was among the attendees. On social media, he shared, " off to Lower Bavaria for the 1st Viechtach Pig Festival; a marvelous culinary celebration revolving around the pig."
However, animal rights organization PETA held a protest. They registered a demonstration, citing concerns about species discrimination.
Unterwegs in Niederbayern beim 1. Viechtacher Schweinefest: Das ist ein echtes Genussfest rund ums Schwein. Volksfeste, #Brauchtum, gute Stimmung und regionale Spezialitäten gehören zu Bayern. Mit Alois Rainer übernimmt nun auch ein echter Niederbayer im Bundesministerium für… pic.twitter.com/tLFym7zs4M— Markus Söder (@Markus_Soeder) May 24, 2025
The local authorities reported no incidents until the afternoon, when PETA attached a dog decoy to a grill in protest of the event.
In a reconciliatory tone on social media, Söder remarked, " While everyone is entitled to their dietary choices, a succulent piece of Bavarian pork remains unrivaled for me personally."
In Viechtach, Söder was spotted enjoying a sausage and a roll of meat, conversing with grilling experts.
Originally, Mayor Franz Wittmann aimed to create a local attraction to revitalize the town. His proposition for an international grilling competition, however, displeased the "Vegan in Viechtach" group, propelling the town into the national spotlight weeks before the first spit-roasted pig.
The initial six grilling teams have grown to 16 participants in the competition.
The festival, held in the Bavarian Forest, serves as a platform to showcase local culinary traditions and the region's cultural heritage, potentially boosting tourism.
- Despite the heated debates between meat-eaters, vegans, and animal rights activists, the Viechtach Pig Festival, a food-and-drink and lifestyle event, progressed peacefully.
- Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, a supporter of the event, shared on social media that he was attending the festival to celebrate the region's culinary traditions, specifically revolving around the pig.
- The home-and-garden aspect of the festival, aimed at revitalizing the town by attracting tourists, was challenged by the "Vegan in Viechtach" group, generating general-news coverage weeks before the first spit-roasted pig.
