Salad Fair in Ziegenhain

The Ziegenhain Salad Fair is one of the oldest folk festivals in North Hesse and takes place annually in the Ziegenhain district of Schwalmstadt. Its origins date back to 1728, when Landgrave Karl of Hesse-Kassel invited farmers to a meal featuring potatoes and salad to convince them to cultivate potatoes. Although the potato initially received little enthusiasm, the salad became very popular – hence the name "Salad Fair." Of course, there will be many Little Red Riding Hoods to see, as the traditional costume clubs of the Schwalm region are traditionally present in full attire. Today, the Salad Fair is a six-day festival with a diverse program: it begins with the traditional fair singing on Wednesday and features highlights such as "Lattchessen," where regional specialties are served, the popular duck race, live music in the festival tent, a large parade with costume groups, and the "Lattchen" on Monday, where new residents are symbolically welcomed into the community. The event is free for visitors and attracts numerous guests from the region each year. The event organized by the city of Schwalmstadt takes place on the second weekend after Pentecost.