Experience the Medieval Times in Modern Germany: Cultural Festival in Dortmund
Updated: Mar 31
Dortmund, Germany, NEVER disappoints me !!! I came back to Dortmund after the holidays In Bavaria, Germany. I was totally surprised to see the city center. I literally felt that I was back in medieval times.
One of the best events to attend in Dortmund is to experience the Traditional German Festival in Dortmund, Germany.
Every November, Dortmund has a traditional German fair for five days. In 2018, it started from Oct 31st until Nov 4th. The city was fully decorated with traditional stalls and activities. There were shops like small huts in the villages.
It gave me a feeling that I was in a Majestic German Village. Dortmund is the 8th Largest City in Germany and has a lot to offer for tourists.
In the city center, There was a big cart with horses. It was taking the people in the city around. There was a long queue. The excitement on the faces of kids, young and old people is beyond words. I literally imagined the time when people used to roam around in Dortmund and its surroundings around 70 years ago on horse carts.
They had created a small stable for the Ponies. In order to give the real look of a horse stable and provide a natural habitat to small ponies, they had put the hay and food for them. The Ponies also offered rides for small kids for 6 years. There was a man who was holding a kid and a pony during the ride.
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In my childhood, I watched a cartoon series in which a kid has a Pony. It took me back to my childhood memories. Agghhh!! I am too old for a Pony ride.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of a musical band parading with drums. And everybody started getting curious to know what was happening. I was a bit far from the band, so I was only able to see two heads. I started approaching them and trying to make out my way from the crowd. OMG – it was a Duck Parade.
There were around 10 ducks, and they were marching and following the music and taking instructions from their masters. I was so surprised to see how trained they were, they were changing their directions and taking turns with the instruction. This is something exceptional.
There were also goats and sheep. They had created a separate compartment for them which had hay and grass. The area was full of kids. The kids were excited as it was a new experience for them to touch and feed them.
There was also a traditional musical band performing with their instruments. They were dressed up like typical German villagers and produced amazing music that instantly made you dance to the beats. It was indeed one of the best German Cultural presentations I had ever experienced.
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There was an artist who was performing near Reinoldikirche. The pianist was playing melodious music in support of the artist. The artist had attracted a huge number of audiences. There were two ladders that were parallel to each other, and there was a big rope joining both ladders.
The artist had chosen six people from the crowd, and they were holding the ladders with an extended rope – three people holding each ladder. The rhythm of the piano was going so well with the steps of the artists.
The artist was trying to walk on the rope between two ladders, but he was failing again and again, and the helpers were not able to hold the ladder firmly. At last, the artist succeeded and received huge applause from the audience.
There were a lot of stalls for games as well, like shooting, archery, and many more. There were so many people who won a lot of stuff like toys and teddy bears from these games. I took the challenge of winning the biggest teddy bear for my wife but ended up winning only a small truck. But that was also fine for her.
There was also a flame thrower who was performing with the fire. I must say it was one of the best performances of the night for me. He was inhaling the fuel and throwing out the fire flames from his mouth.
They also presented the early diesel engine. The visitors were fascinated by its design and exterior.
There were also many rides for the kids and adults, like dodging cars, Go merry round, sky wheel, and many more. Everybody was so excited and enjoying the rides.
I took a sky wheel ride, and the view was so amazing from the top. It was not so high, but you could enjoy the surroundings. The ticket was for € 4.50
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There were so many traditional German shops that were selling typical handmade stuff like wooden craved animals, woolen mats and rugs, baskets, lights, jewelry, decoration pieces, arrows, and bows.
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There were also so many food stalls that made you hungry. They had so much to offer, from typical German Pommes to French Crepes in different flavors, from Ice cream to waffles, Famous German currywurst (hot dog with special sauce) to a meat skewer. For traditional food lovers, it is the best place.
There was also a stage where musicians, artists, and jugglers were performing. They had made a big sitting arrangement like an Amphi Theater. I got a chance to enjoy the belly dance with wonderful music. The area was fully packed. I just loved the performance.
Sunday was the last day of the fair, but everything was open. It was so nice to see that all the stores in Dortmund center were open on Sunday. Everybody was busy shopping- buying things from their favorite brands and enjoying the festival.
Ending Note:
I would highly suggest you visit this festival in Dortmund during the month of November and get the feel of German Tradition and rural culture !!