While May Day demonstrations took place in Berlin’s city center, the Association of Bavarians in Berlin, along with their guests, celebrated their traditional May Festival in Bavarian beer garden style at their Bayernplatz in the south of the capital. This event traditionally opens their annual Wiesn season with the ‘Anplatteln’ ceremony.
A Sunny Start to the Wiesn Season
The weather, under a clear blue and white sky, was ideal for the festivities. The alphorn ensemble of the association kicked off the event, followed by musical entertainment from the ‘Berliner Böhmischen’ brass band. The ‘Haushammer’ dance group officially opened the Wiesn season for the association’s 150th anniversary year, accompanied by Siggi on his Styrian harmonica.
Diverse Musical Program and Culinary Delights
A highlight of the afternoon was the Kleinmachnow Dreigesang, featuring Irmgart, Andrea, Johanna, and Waltraud. Waltraud Lehman and Dietmar Geßner provided further entertainment with zither music, while new member Michael Sittinger made his musical debut on the accordion. Later in the evening, regular guest Henry de Winter captivated the audience with songs from the 1920s. For those who wished to dance, Alpen-DJ Wanja played traditional folk dance music on the terraces above the Alpine Garden of the Bayernplatz, before the celebration concluded late in the evening with the Bavarian anthem.
Guests enjoyed a variety of culinary offerings, including savory Thuringian bratwursts and original Bavarian Leberkäse, accompanied by traditional Bavarian beer. Special thanks were extended to the volunteer kitchen team and the guests from the Prince’s Guard of the City of Berlin, who actively supported the kitchen team. The event was described as a successful May Festival 2026, embodying the Bavarian way of life with a diverse musical program.
Anticipation for the 150th Anniversary Celebration
The Bavarians in Berlin are now looking forward to their upcoming 150th-anniversary celebration in September 2026. This milestone event, under the patronage of Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder, is scheduled to take place from September 11th to 13th, 2026, at the association’s Bayernplatz. All friends of Bavarian traditions are cordially invited to attend.
Source: Helmut Amberger, 1st Chairman of the Association of Bavarians in Berlin e.V. and freelance reporter for Samerberger Nachrichten; Photos: Manfred and Helmut Amberger
