The medieval town of Ribeauvillé in the wine-producing region of Alsace is a former feudal town that each year celebrates a historical event called “Pfifferdaj” or “Fête des Ménétriers” (Fiddler’s Festival). It is the oldest Alsatian festival and has been held for more than 600 years. It started out as a major annual gathering of fiddlers when the lords of Ribeaupierre ruled over the village. Taking place on the first weekend of September, the Pfifferdaj is a medieval festival that pays tribute to the guild of the minstrels (minstrels, musicians, acrobats, etc.), which was headquartered in Ribeauvillé and was under the protection of the lords of Ribeaupierre in the Middle Ages. Today, it has become a leading festival enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. For its 636th edition, Pfifferdaj presents “The Pied Piper of Ribeauvillé,” an original production inspired by the famous legend of Hamelin.
During the 3-day event, visitors can enjoy medieval traditions and markets and be entertained by numerous parades, musical acts, and street performers. On Saturday, from 10:00-21:00, there will be a medieval market in the courtyard of the Médiathèque. From 14:00-18:00, visitors can enjoy street entertainment by marching bands. Dance and food service under the big top at the Jardin de Ville will start around 19:00, and at 20:30, the torchlight procession will depart from Place de la République toward the Jardin de Ville. In the evening: marching bands will parade through the Grand’Rue and entertainment by Cirquanium.
On Sunday starting at 9:00, the Vogesia Municipal Band wakes up the Ménétriers. Starting at 10:00, marching bands parade through the Grand’Rue and the town squares. From 10:00-19:00, the medieval market will be set up again in the courtyard of the Médiathèque. Starting at 11:00, food stalls in the Grand Bailli courtyard and at the Jardin de Ville will provide refreshment and at 14:30, the grand historical parade, “The Pied Piper of Ribeauvillé,” will depart from Place de la République. At the end of the procession there will be a free public wine tasting at the fountain of the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville (offered by the local wine syndicate) and a public ball in the Ribeauvillé town garden.
On Monday, starting at 17:00, a musical serenade by the Vogesia Municipal Band will take place at the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, followed by the announcement of the parade rankings and presentation of certificates. Presentation of the traditional gingerbread to the City’s Mayor.
As a further highlight this year, there will be a procession to the Notre-Dame de Dusenbach pilgrimage, departing from Place de la Sinne, with the participation of the Vogesia Municipal Band, on Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets are € 10 for adults, € 8 for students, and € 5 for children ages 6-12.
The beautiful town of Ribeauvillé is located about 1 hour from Basel and is well worth the drive.

Website
visit.alsace/en/229000471-pfifferdaj-the-fiddlers-festival/

Where
Place de la République
68150 Ribeauvillé
France

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