Munich, May 10, 2026 – Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, today inaugurated the first “Craftsmen’s Spring – Moving Forward Together” event at the Munich Spring Festival. Joined by the Bavarian Chamber of Crafts, the showmen’s association, and hundreds of Schäffler dancers from all over Bavaria, Aiwanger sent a strong message of confidence, solidarity, and support for the crafts sector in Bavaria.
Aiwanger: “The Schäffler Dance Symbolizes Optimism in Difficult Times”
Minister Aiwanger emphasized the historical significance of the Schäffler dance, stating, “The Schäffler dance has symbolized new beginnings, courage, and optimism after difficult times for over 500 years. This is precisely the attitude we need again today: not to complain, but to take action, to look forward together, and to face the future with confidence.” He further added, “Craftsmen embody this attitude every day, making them a crucial anchor of stability for Bavaria and our economy. We support our craftsmen – as service providers and enablers. The state must be there for its businesses and not constantly put obstacles in their way. I am sure that today it has become clear that the craft sector can rely on us.”
A New Tradition for Munich’s Event Calendar
The Minister announced his intention to establish the “Craftsmen’s Spring,” which took place for the first time this year, as a permanent fixture in Munich’s event calendar. The Schäffler dancers, whose centuries-old tradition commemorates the recovery from the plague, continue to represent community spirit, joie de vivre, and confidence. Over 600 participants from across Bavaria – including Schäffler groups, craft guilds, business owners, and representatives of the Chambers of Crafts – gathered at Munich’s Theresienwiese and performed their dances at six locations on the grounds, marking the largest gathering of Schäffler dancers worldwide to date.
The Importance of Crafts for Bavaria’s Economy
In his keynote speech at the Bayernland Festzelt, the Minister highlighted the immense importance of the craft sector for the Free State of Bavaria. With approximately 212,000 businesses, nearly one million employees, and 63,000 apprentices, the sector represents economic strength, vocational training, and social cohesion in Bavaria. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs therefore provides targeted support to the craft sector, including funding for inter-company apprentice training (ÜLU), the Master Craftsman Bonus, and Master Craftsman BAföG. Furthermore, the Free State strengthens the competitiveness, digitalization, and business succession in these companies through programs such as the Digital Bonus, AI innovation projects in crafts, and start-up loans. Aiwanger concluded that the “Craftsmen’s Spring” impressively demonstrated how closely tradition, medium-sized businesses, and future optimism are linked in the Free State.
Government Support for Craft Businesses
The Bavarian government’s commitment to the craft sector is evident in various initiatives aimed at fostering growth and sustainability. The Digital Bonus, for instance, helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) invest in digital technologies, while AI innovation projects encourage the adoption of artificial intelligence in craft businesses. Additionally, start-up loans facilitate the establishment of new craft enterprises and support business succession, ensuring the continuity of traditional crafts.
These measures underscore the government’s recognition of the craft sector’s vital role in the regional economy and its dedication to preserving and promoting traditional skills while embracing modern advancements. The “Craftsmen’s Spring” serves as a powerful symbol of this ongoing commitment, bringing together various stakeholders to celebrate and strengthen the future of Bavarian craftsmanship.
The event concluded with a strong sense of community and a renewed determination to face future challenges with optimism and collaborative effort, echoing the historical resilience symbolized by the Schäffler dance.
