May 1st Holiday: What Is a Maypole (Maibaum)?

As spring blooms in Bavaria, chances are you’ve seen a large, decorated pole pop up in your marktplatz or somewhere in your village. But what is Maypole Day, and how can you celebrate as an American living in Germany? Easy – protect the Maibaum and drink beer!

The Maypole (maibaum) can be anywhere between 18-30 meters tall! Learn more about May 1st Holiday celebrations at dtvdantieltelevision.com

About the May 1st Holiday

Maypole Day or “Mayday” has been a huge spring celebration in Germany since the 13th century.

In German folklore, witches and spirits gather and celebrate on April 30, also known as Walpurgisnacht or Hexennacht. Townsfolk would burn bonfires and dance to scare them away.

It usually takes a combination of strong men and tractors to raise a Maibaum safely!

Today, cities decorate the Maypole (Maibaum) with ribbons, trade signs, and wreaths. Raising the Maibaum usually takes place on April 30 in order to celebrate the festivities on May 1.

Because it wouldn’t be a Bavarian tradition without a fest!

However, depending on the city, Maypole celebrations can take place before May 1st, on the day of, or a few days after the holiday.

It’s also important to point out that May 1st is an actual German holiday, so most businesses will be closed that day even if there’s a festival taking place in the city center.

American’s 1st Look: Maypole Festival in Weiden Germany

Maypole Festival in Bigger Cities

In Weiden Germany, we witnessed a much larger celebration and a much larger Maypole!

In a city of about 50K people, you can expect much more vendors for traditional food, drink, entertainment, and the pole will definitely have more “flare” for decoration.

This particular Maypole was hoisted by a machine and a small wireless remote controller that operated the crane. Since May 1st is a holiday, you’re more than likely to see the whole town show up for the festival.

Outdoor fest tables, live marching bands, and local performances are some of the yearly traditions in Weiden.

This is complimented with a variety of local eats such as pork knuckle, bratwurst, and sweets for the kids.

Oh and don’t be intimidated by the Steckerlfisch, a delicious grilled Mackerel “fish on a stick.”

Raising the Maypole is no easy task! It usually takes a dozen men and a few tractors to hoist it safely

Frequently Asked Questions About The Mayday Festival

Most towns in the U.S. don’t celebrate the May 1st holiday like the Germans, but you should definitely attend your local Maifest!

Pretzels and brats are standard fair at fests, and the May 1st holiday is no exception

What do Germans eat on May Day?

Like most fests, you’ll find sausages and pretzels as the standard snacks. But they also brew a Maibock beer for the occasion! It’s a darker, heavier style, which also means more alcohol.

Almost every holiday is an excuse to drink beer and eat brats! Pretzels are also a welcome treat

Is each Maypole different?

Yes! While it will always be decorated with ribbons and wreaths, some towns also decorate their Zunftbaum as their Maypole. Trade groups can sponsor the tree attached to the Maibaum, and in return, they have a city trade sign attached to the pole.

At the Weiden Maypole festival you can find the USAG Bavaria sign attached to the pole with the rest of the local organizations. As a strategic partner with the local community, USAG Bavaria has a reserved spot for decorations.

Where do you get the Maibaum?

The city buys the tree and lumber from a local forest owner, or the owner sponsors the Maypole. And usually individuals don’t set up Maypoles for themselves, although there are some traditions where men set up a small Maibaum in the yards of their lovers!

No matter how big or small the village, everyone in Bavaria celebrates Maifest!

How big is the Maibaum?

Most are anywhere between 18 to 30 meters tall, which is why it requires around a dozen men to hoist it up!

It takes a team of people to secure the Maibaum. No one wants a 30 meter Maypole falling over!

Where else do they celebrate the May 1st holiday?

The Maypole tradition is primarily celebrated throughout Bavaria, although some other regions of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein have Maibäume as well.

On April 30 (also known as Hexennacht), cities will try to steal each other's Maibaums, and children will play pranks on neighbors and friends. In Altendorf, they filled the fountain with bubbles!

What are some other May 1st holiday traditions?

Festivities on May Day include drinking, eating, and dancing around the Maypole. But one of the funnier traditions is the pranking.

Cities will guard their Maibäume on April 30 to prevent other cities from stealing them. Because when one city steals another city’s Maypole, they can hold it hostage for all kinds of crazy requests! But usually the victimized cities have to pay the “thieves” in beer – lots of it.

Sometimes you’ll also see a Maibaumkraxler: someone who climbs the Maypole. It can be the person who fixes or decorates the pole once it’s up, but some towns will also host races!

The Zunftbaum can be decorated as a Maibaum, and displays other decorations such as placards to represent the city's trade groups

Celebrate Spring at Your Local Maifest!

If you’re living in Germany, I highly recommend attending a local Maifest. But if you miss the May 1 holiday celebrations, you can still celebrate the spring season at a local Frühlingsfest!