Traditional festivals
Vibrate to the rhythm of the festive season in Alsace Essentielle
Alsace Essentielle is experienced in a thousand different ways, and always in close proximity to its inhabitants. When they get together, the meetings are convivial and give rise to unforgettable moments that immerse you in the region’s living heritage.
Traditional festivals
Take part in celebrations that tell the story of local history and heritage
In Alsace, we’re very attached to our traditions! The most obvious example is the Fête des Ménétriers, or Pfifferdaj, in Ribeauvillé: it’s the oldest festival in Alsace. Every first Sunday in September, village associations parade in tribute to the guild of minstrels (musicians, minstrels, acrobats…).
Another tradition to which we are attached is the Transhumance every year, the herds climb to the heights to enjoy the ridges in summer. It marks the change of season, and is a real event! Locals and visitors alike accompany the cows up to the summits in a convivial atmosphere.
When they come down, it’s party time again! At the beginning of October, Muhlbach-sur-Munster is the place to be for traditions and delicacies.
In the same traditions as the transhumance, the Folk Tuesdays at the Maison du Fromage celebrate traditions all summer long, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Concerts by the Cor des Alpes liven up the evening, punctuated by tastings of the famous munster soup and entertainment for young and old.
Village festivals
Experience the friendliness of Alsace in the heart of our villages
Village festivals are special occasions that bring together locals and visitors, and give you the chance to experience Alsace differently! In Neuf-Brisach, the Estivales set the Place d’Armes alight for two evenings in July and August with lively music, gourmet delights and local crafts.
In Houssen, as Colmar Plage draws to a close, the Fête Paysanne celebrates the countryside of yesteryear. Tractor displays, a farmers’ banquet, a brass band and a wide range of catering options… Concerts punctuate this friendly, good-natured day, and are not to be missed!
The villages of Pfaffenheim and Rouffach come alive for the Nuits du Tourisme (Tourism Nights), where Alsatian folklore takes center stage! Traditional music and dancing, tarts flambées, Alsatian wine tastings… All the ingredients for a wonderful summer evening along the Alsace Wine Route.
Themed parties
Folk traditions and open-air festivities
In July, the medieval world meets a fantastic universe in Rouffach for the Witch Festival ! Concerts, entertainment, shows, role-playing games, a trail of the strange… For one afternoon, you’ll be plunged into a fictional world that will send shivers down your spine.
In Munchhouse, it’s the Fried Carp Festival which brings the whole village to life over several days around its emblematic specialty. Tastings, dance parties, a huge flea market and even a contest to elect Miss Carpe Frite… this convivial event combines gastronomy and festive spirit in the purest Alsatian tradition.
In Le Bonhomme, the valley’s handicrafts are in the spotlight in August at Oh Les Welches with a farmers’ market, demonstrations of traditional crafts and tastings of farm produce… On the heights of the Kaysersberg Valley, conviviality is the order of the day!
