Opening Ceremony at Marienplatz
Spectators gather at Marienplatz to watch the inaugural Schäfflertanz and hear the mayor’s speech, marking the traditional start of the festivities.
~14:00
Munich Schräfflertanz (Coopers’ Dance)
Original Münchner Schäfflertanz
Munich, Germany
Jan 6 - Feb 21, 2033ExpectedSource
Only once every seven years, the coopers' guild of Munich takes to the streets for the Schäfflertanz, a centuries-old dance of barrel-makers in red coats and green caps. Said to have begun to cheer the city after a plague more than 500 years ago, the rare performance is a beloved sight whenever it returns.
Key moments
Jan 6
Feb 17
Closing Ceremony and Ring Breaking
Attendees watch the concluding dance routine, including the ceremonial shattering of the wreath and the Kasperl puppet shooting as the finale.
~21:00
Where it happens
Marienplatz
Munich, Germany
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Warm winter clothing
Respect local boundaries
Stand on sidewalks or squares to watch; do not join the procession. Greet performers polite...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Munich Schräfflertanz (Coopers’ Dance)
Original Münchner Schäfflertanz
Munich, Germany
Only once every seven years, the coopers' guild of Munich takes to the streets for the Schäfflertanz, a centuries-old dance of barrel-makers in red coats and green caps. Said to have begun to cheer the city after a plague more than 500 years ago, the rare performance is a beloved sight whenever it returns.
AnchorCultural anchor
Jan 6 - Feb 21, 2033Expected dates
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The story behind it
This Bavarian tradition dates back over 500 years to uplifting the city during plague times. The cooper’s guild revived the dance as a community ritual to cheer festivities in winter carnival seasons, symbolizing resilience and local craft culture.
Key moments to know
Jan 6~14:00Expected
Opening Ceremony at Marienplatz
Spectators gather at Marienplatz to watch the inaugural Schäfflertanz and hear the mayor’s speech, marking the traditional start of the festivities.
Feb 17~21:00Expected
Closing Ceremony and Ring Breaking
Attendees watch the concluding dance routine, including the ceremonial shattering of the wreath and the Kasperl puppet shooting as the finale.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Warm winter clothing
Respect local boundaries
Stand on sidewalks or squares to watch; do not join the procession. Greet performers politely with traditional...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 6 - Feb 21, 2033
Provisional
City / Area
Munich
Bavaria
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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