Heidelberg Summer Day ParadeHeidelberger Sommertagszug

The Heidelberger Sommertagszug is an annual children’s parade marking the end of winter and a symbolic welcome to spring 1 2. Held in late March, local schoolchildren carry traditional “Sommertagsstecken” (decorated sticks) adorned with pretzels, eggs, and ribbons through the Old Town 1. The procession is led by a figure of Liselotte von der Pfalz, and culminates on the Marktplatz (Market Square) with a staged battle between Winter and Summer 1 3.

This festival is part of the broader Kurpfalz tradition of winter-driving rituals. Children and community groups participate in a folk custom of chasing away winter with colorful processions. The chant “Strih, Strah, Stroh – der Sommerdag is do” (from local dialect) is often sung, reflecting its roots in regional spring-time observances 1 2.