Traditional Stork Day

On February 22, Haslach has celebrated "Stork Day" for centuries. A possible origin of this custom is the fulfillment of a vow. Stork Day is first mentioned in a municipal account from 1643 and likely originated from the fulfillment of a vow during a pest infestation in the 17th century. The Stork Day procession begins at noon in the Mühlenkapelle, where prayers are said first. Then, the children rush out, constantly shouting "out, out!" as they go from house to house, asking for gifts behind the Stork Father. In the streets, the people of Haslach are already waiting for the Stork Day procession, holding oranges, sweets, and pretzels ready for the children. Only in a few exceptional cases does Stork Day take place a day before or after February 22. For example, when Stork Day falls on Carnival Sunday.