Regensburg Celebrating!
Jahrmarkt, Kirmes, Volksfest - there are many words in German for the traditional fairs celebrated in the country. However in Regensburg the old term Dult has been preserved. This very Dult is celebrated twice a year, in May and in September. The Dults celebrated in the city district Stadtamhof derive from a privilege received by the Bavarian Duke in the year 1389. The permission to establish two fairs was granted to help the independent city get back on its feet economically after the destructions experienced in the Cities War. Then the city of Regensburg, this was the city south of the Danube, prohibited all fun fairs at the end of the 19th century. However, from the early middle ages three fairs had been celebrated there until then. Now, precisely since 1972 one celebrates at Regensburg’s Europe Channel. Before this, the stalls and carousels were located at the so-called Protzenweiher.
The Maidult fun fair is one of the first big fairs of the year in Bavaria and is very popular because of this. In contrast to the Oktoberfest for example, the atmosphere is quite “cozy” there and not that much focused on beer consumption and celebrating in the big beer tents, but is rather known to be a fun family celebration. Grandchildren, parents, granny and grandpa are meant to feel comfortable at the fair venue at the Europe Channel. A broad entertainment choice for all generations can be found in a big variety of fun rides, food stalls and various offerings at the goods fair. The goods fair is a left over from long past times, when the fun fair was equivalent to a trade fair. No matter if you are looking for copper detergents, cooking pots, socks, tea and herbs, bouillon cubes, toys or book antiquarians, you will be able to find it here. Looking for a cactus or an oven? The range of offerings here is truly adventurous. 
It is absolutely obligatory to take a ride on the big wheel, which is 50 meters high. This ride should last – and this is a premise of the event organizers, which is the city of Regensburg – at least 5 minutes. At the bumper cars, where the coolest boys usually hang out, one flirts for all one’s worth. The atmosphere is not less flirty in the beer tents, where, between beer, fried chicken and oompa music, a spontaneous initial eye flirt has often proved to turn into a long and lasting marriage. Around 10 per cent of all Regensburg marriages found their beginning at one of the Dults!
Beer is served in liter steins – just like at the Oktoberfest and costs 6.80 Euros this year. For you to compare: The Wiesn-Maß (Okotberfest stein) cost 8.90 Euros in 2008! The fair beer has been brewed particularly for this event and is stronger than common Lager Beer. So caution please! And please don’t take the mugs back home as a souvenir. Otherwise charges can be filed against you for "minor theft". However, if it is your first time stealing it is likely that charges against you will be dismissed. But keep in mind “Diminished Responsibility”, according to German law, cannot be granted even if you blame it on too much "booze". In contrast to restaurants, you are able to smoke in the beer tents. However, non-smoking departments have been provided in the tents. In addition to this a separate air conditioning system guarantees an agreeable atmosphere. 
What you really have to try in one of the three fish tents, is baked Danube Fish, you will not find this specialty elsewhere. And if you don’t like beer, you will also find a wine tent in which you can enjoy other regional delicacies.
The cliché that all Germans run around in Dirndl and Lederhosen could vividly be confirmed at your Dult visit. But: traditional garment has turned into something like a celebration uniform in the recent past. It is not to be confused with people living their Bavarian traditions - for this we would rather recommend a trip to the mountain regions of Bavaria, where you will have a lot of chances to experience authentic traditions and traditional costumes. First and foremost, wearing a Dirndl or a Lederhosen today complies with the strong desire of our mobile society for identity. The sociologist Simone Egger discovered that values like home and tradition get more and more important when insecurity and flexibility increase world-wide.
Last but not least, we want to present some facts, dates and numbers. The Maidult will be celebrated from May 8th until 24th.
The fun fair with its rides is open daily from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.; the goods fair is open daily from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On the first and the last Friday of the Dult you will be able to watch a spectacular firework at around 10 p.m. Get into your Lederhosen and Dirndl and enjoy!
7.05.09 - online redaktion