Sommertag 2024

About:
Sommertag is an annual festival that takes place in Heidelberg, Germany. The festival is celebrated on the first day of summer and has been a tradition in the city for over a century. The festival features various activities, including live music performances, dance shows, and parades. The festival is centered around the "Sommertagszug," a parade that starts in the city center and ends at the Heiligenberg mountain. At the end of the parade, the "Sommertagsbaum" (summer tree) is erected on the mountain, which marks the beginning of summer.

Famous For:
The parade and the erection of the Sommertagsbaum are at the heart of the festival's celebrations, and attract thousands of attendees from all over the region.

Creation Purpose:
Sommertag was created with the purpose of celebrating the arrival of summer and the triumph of light over darkness. The festival has its roots in pagan and Christian traditions and has been celebrated in various forms in Heidelberg for over 500 years.

Fun Facts:
The Sommertagszug includes various groups such as historical reenactors, marching bands, and dance troupes.

The Sommertagsbaum is usually made of birch or fir branches and decorated with colorful ribbons and flowers.

The festival also features food and drink stands, carnival rides, and other forms of entertainment.

Sommertag is celebrated in many cities and towns across Germany, but the Heidelberg festival is one of the largest and most well-known.

The festival has taken place uninterrupted for over 100 years, even during times of war and political unrest.

Impact On The Music Industry:
While Sommertag is not primarily a music festival, it has featured live music performances from local and regional bands over the years. The festival has contributed to the cultural life of Heidelberg and has helped to promote the region's traditional music and dance heritage.