Auer Dult

File:Mariahilf-1.jpg

Mariahilf Church

Auf der Dult, drawing by Carl Spitzweg, circa 1838

The Auer Dult is a traditional annual market in Munich, Germany, taking place three times per year on the Mariahilfplatz in the Munich district of Au. The first fair of the year, the so-called Maidult (May fair) is held in the first weekend of the month. The Jakobidult takes place in July and the Kirchweihdult occurs in the week after Kermesse. Each one lasts nine days.

History

The Jakobidult was first established in 1310 on the meadow on which the modern day Sankt-Jakobs Platz was established. From 1791 it occurred on Kaufinger/Neuhauser street. In 1796 Elector Karl Theodor allowed the Munich suburb of Au east of the Isar the right to hold a fair (Dult) twice a year. From this came the name Auer Dult. With exception of the mid and post war years of 1943-1946 the fair has taken place three times per year since 1905.

Market

The Auer Dult is considered to be the largest crockery market in Europe. Pots, porcelain and other ceramic wares are available at numerous Standl (stands). In addition, other household accessories, natural healing remedies and clothes are available. Many stands also offer antique books and commodities. The assortment of items ranges from chamber pots to rustic furniture.

Folk Festival

Around three hundred traders and showmen take part in the Auer Dult, which is not only a market but also a folk festival. Next to the area of the Standl are typical fairground rides. There is also a small Ferris wheel, a chairoplane, a child's roundabout, a swing boat, a horse riding track, dodgems and shooting galleries. There are also various takeaways and a beer tent which offers typical Bavarian specialities. In contrast to the Oktoberfest and the Munich Spring Festival (Münchner Frühlingsfest), the Auer Dult is much more discreet and calm. In the course of the year, around 300,000 visitors are counted.

External links

• auerdult.de