Participants in traditional costumes march through the streets of Speyer during last year’s Pretzel Festival parade on July 9, 2023. Parade attendees stand to gather plentiful pretzel and candy during the city-wide celebration. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)
The annual Speyer Pretzel Festival, a beloved local tradition celebrating the region’s iconic baked good, is set to kick off on Thursday and will run through July 17.
This year’s festival boasts a packed schedule of entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities, promising something for everyone, organizers said. Speyer is about an hour’s drive from Kaiserslautern.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, when rides, beer gardens and food stalls open at the fairground. The opening parade to the Festplatz at 6 p.m. will feature local bands, the Pretzel Queen and city officials. The official opening ceremony and beer tapping by Mayor Stefanie Seiler will follow at 6:30 p.m. Live music will keep the party going into the night with performances from local entertainers.
Friday continues the fun with live music starting at 7 p.m. Saturday highlights include a dirndl revival party at 6 p.m. and various musical performances throughout the day.
The main Pretzel Festival parade launches Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The day wraps up with live music and a DJ-led ‘80s/’90s party.
The festival concludes midweek with themed events like the LGBTQ+Friends party on Monday and family day on Tuesday capped off with a grand fireworks display at 10:30 p.m.
For more information and a detailed schedule, visit the festival’s official website.
July 8, 2024 9:49
