Bock tradition: After a long fight, finally intangible cultural heritage!

Bock tradition: After a long fight, finally intangible cultural heritage!

The hingebock tradition between Deidesheim and Lambrecht is a unique custom that can trace its roots back to 1534. Every year on Pentecost Tuesday, the residents of Lambrecht symbolically deliver a billy goat to Deidesheim. This gesture is a historical consideration for the previous pasture law of the cattle in the region. Rheinpfalz reports that the goat bock tradition has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage since 2023. Recognition only succeeded in the third attempt after the first applications did not show the necessary success in 2017 and 2018.

Berthold Schnabel, an 81-year-old retired teacher from Deidesheim and member of a four-member team of experts who have promoted the application, emphasizes the cultural importance of this tradition. In addition to Schnabel, this team also included Volker Edel, the recently deceased editor of the Talpost, Hans-Joachim Hinrichs, chairman of the Lambrecht Verkehrsverein, and the also deceased doctoral folklorist Heinz Schmitt.

The way to recognize

The first application attempt in 2017 comes from acting groups that come from Deidesheim and Lambrecht. Nevertheless, the application was unsuccessful. Despite these setbacks, the cities of Deidesheim and Lambrecht showed tireless use and perseverance by continuing to maintain and develop the billy goat tradition. The transfer of the goat and its subsequent auction are central highlights in the festival calendar of both cities.

The goat's goat tradition has developed over the centuries. It combines traditional knowledge of pasture rights with modern cultural forms of expression such as music and theater. A new element of tradition is the integration of a young couple who leads the billy goat to Deidesheim. This development not only strengthens cohesion in the community, but also brings a fresh wind into the traditional festival.

modern aspects of tradition

The idea of ​​animal welfare should be particularly emphasized: after the celebrations, the billy goats are not slaughtered, but are kept in a species -appropriate manner on a mercy. This shows the awareness of the communities for ethical and sustainable practices in dealing with animals. The billy goat tradition not only remains a living customs, but also integrates modern values.

With the inclusion of the list of the intangible cultural heritage of the UNECO , the hingebock tradition between Deidesheim and Lambrecht is now officially recognized. This award is likely to further consolidate the cultural identity of both cities and preserve the tradition for future generations.