No cars at the Wiesenmarkt: tradition in danger? Safety concerns!

No cars at the Wiesenmarkt: tradition in danger? Safety concerns!

In Lutherstadt Eisleben this year, the opening of the traditional meadow market will be a little different than usual. Due to safety concerns, the city council has decided not to use decorated cars and trucks at the opening parade. This decision was discussed at a special meeting of the city council, with some councilors seeing decades of tradition in jeopardy. The police and public order office recommended excluding the vehicles for safety reasons in June. Mayor Carsten Staub defended this approach and referred to dangerous situations for children in recent years. The parade should take place without cars for a period of one hour before the event continues over the following four days, said Staub.

The Eisleber Wiesenmarkt, which will take place for the 502nd time on Friday, September 15, 2023, is the largest folk festival in Central Germany. The festival was approved by Emperor Charles V as early as 1521 and has had a proud tradition ever since. With a special focus on safety and various new attractions, the city is expecting many visitors this year. There are ten new rides, including the Airborne, the highest flying carousel in the world at 65 meters high, and the King Kong Tower, a 20-meter freefall tower. The prices are more pleasant at 12 euros per liter of beer and 6 euros for a half-liter glass, and the rides are cheaper than at Oktoberfest.

Security measures and current trends

The security situation in Germany also has an impact on events like the Wiesenmarkt. After the recent attacks in cities like Magdeburg and Munich, a general mood of crisis can be felt in many town halls. In some cities, such as Lage in North Rhine-Westphalia, folk festivals have been canceled because the security requirements can no longer be met. Frank Hakelberg, general manager of the German Showmen's Association, is worried about the future of such festivals, as more and more municipalities are running into financial bottlenecks and the cancellation of markets and festivals is also hitting local traders hard.

However, the city of Eisleben has prepared security concepts for the Wiesenmarkt, including the presence of police and security services during the event. To provide a safe environment for visitors, the city recommends preparing for the weather by wearing rainproof clothing. Market stalls and cultural sights, such as the Luther birthplace, also provide a variety between the rides and festival tent visits.

The opening times of the Wiesenmarkt are as follows:

• Freitag: 15:00 – 01:00 Uhr
• Samstag: 10:00 – 01:00 Uhr
• Sonntag: 10:00 – 23:00 Uhr
• Montag: 12:00 – 24:00 Uhr

Anticipation for the festival is mixed with a touch of uncertainty, but the city is doing everything it can to ensure that the Wiesenmarkt not only takes place, but also becomes an unforgettable experience. Whether with a parade or without, the people of Eisleber are looking forward to celebrating and enjoying with many other guests.

Despite the challenges, the Wiesenmarkt will remain an important event in the city's calendar, and the insight into reconciling tradition and safety will be key to the future of such events.

For more information about the background and details about the Wiesenmarkt, visit the website MDR, Wildeast and Municipal.