Bavaria was hit hard by the plague. People all around had been affected by disease, death and sadness. In 1517 a tradition was born when Barrel Makers or Coopers took it upon themselves to bring joy back to the villages. They paraded through the streets with rings wrapped in evergreens and played music and brought merriment. The people knew it was safe to be back in the streets again.
Every seven years since from January 6th, Dreikönigstag or three Kings Day, to Shrove Tuesday March 5th (2019) the Schäfflertanz or Cooper Dance is performed. Our local took place this past Sunday in the Marienplatz next to St Marten’s Church at the entrance to the Fußgängerzone or pedestrian zone. It was quite an amazing and free event.
The Barrel Makers Dance has evolved into it’s present form about 130 years ago. The clowns move about mingling through the crowd whilst the dancers perform. I tried to hide as best as I could but was rounded up along with a nun, some children and several others to dance around the circle during the performance. I did not quite get the hang of it although my clown insisted it was an “English” dance. What a clown! The Schäfflertanz is usually performed by men. This particular group included 3 women who play in the band. There are traditionally 20 dancers, 2 hoop twirlers, a flag bearer and 2 clowns. Ours had quite a few more of each. They paraded into the Fußgängerzone with a full band.
barrel makers 
She carries the alcohol basket 
this clown made me get out there and dance 
dancers
One of the things I find most fascinating about these old traditions is you see all ages participating. There is something to be said about a 500+ year old dance that is still being passed on among the younger generations.
twirlers spun the rings around with filled shot glasses in them. 
The dance lasted about 20 minutes. I saw some breaking a sweat until they formed a large circle around the barrel. The barrel makers came and “hammered” the barrel. Next, two twirlers who went one after the other stood on top the barrel and twirled circles with filled shot glasses around inside of them. It was quite the feat! In the meantime a clown came round with a full bottle and poured alcohol into the mouths of every last thirsty ……dancer. I bet you thought I was going to say on looker! Once the ceremonial drinking was done, they danced back into formation and paraded away. Some of these performers live here so they mingled in with their neighbors. Some quite possibly are descendants of original performers.
Great traditional dress, great performance, many laughs, amazing tradition all for free. I can’t help but reflect on what those thoughtful barrel makers of long ago started and if they ever would have thought this lovely old tradition would still be carried on to today. Even better, we walked there. It’s 1.5 miles round trip to the Marienplatz from our house. Easy on the purse and good exercise to boot.
Another exciting event that marks the end of the plague and the sparing of an entire village is taking place in 2020. The Passion Play is a tradition acted out every 10 years in Oberammergau, Bavaria since 1633. This time around every single villager (over 2000) is set to be involved in the play. The original manuscripts date from the 15th and 16th century. It is done completely in German but non German Speakers can get translations to follow along. It runs every day from end April to October. The most recent format is 1430 to 2200 with a dinner break in between. You must have dinner reservations in order to buy a ticket. If you would like more information about how to book and attend in 2020 ask me in the comments or use the contact form.
