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Allerheiligen Kirmes |
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By All Saints!
Once a year for five whole days absolutely unbelievable things take place in the venerable Hanse Town of Soest. Vehicles are catapulted to the heavens, Ferris Wheels higher than houses turn, church spires are bathed in radiant red, brilliant yellow or bright green. Space ships land in middle of streets, monsters lurk around the next corner, "Bulls' Eyes" taste delicious, people fly a hair's breadth past half-timbered houses and, of course, in the midst of all this are the people of Soest - some of whom won't see their beds for five whole days - or rather nights. In short, the town is standing upside down.
All right! This may not sound particularly special for all those of you who have already experienced the Allerheiligen Kirmes (All Saints' Fair) in Soest, but it sure will for the (still) uninitiated! How can one describe what is so incomparable about our fair to someone who has never taken part in it? We have all attempted this umpteen times and have perceived that condescending smirk and that typical facial expression which clearly states: "Ah, rubbish! How can anyone be so crazy about a common or garden fair?" On the other hand there are numerous 'converts', e.g. many enthusiastic newcomers to the club of Soest Kirmes fans who at first could get their minds around what was going on.
The fact is, that in order to know what it's all about, you just have to join in. Only then can you comprehend why this Soest Kirmes enjoys such cult status far into the Ruhrgebiet. At the beginning of November the yearly invasion begins. Friends and family from afar take possession of every last spare bed and floor space for a lilo! It's not just cramped at home, but also in the streets and squares of the historical town centre, because that's exactly where the "The greatest, most wonderful, most novel, most unique old town centre Kirmes in the whole of Europe" takes place. More than 400 itinerant showmen crowd into a space of 50,000 sqm, but on the Thursday, the so-called Pferdemarkt (Horse Market) this number increases to 570, and together they transform the venerable town centre into a huge multi-coloured fun-fair.
If you were to put all these fairground rides and booths into one long line it would extend for at least 3 km. So, in addition to Kirmes enthusiasm, a love of fresh air, a well trained liver and a strong stomach capable of battling high-calorie treats, you'll certainly need comfortable shoes and well rested feet. But you're always in good company. The population of Soest increases twenty-fold to approx. 1 mio during these five crazy days.
Soest knows how to party! - Guests have always received a particularly warm welcome in this old Hanse town.
THE cult event at the Heart of Westphalia
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THE cult event » History » Jaegerken of Soest » Fireworks » Specialists » Bull's Eye » Pot-Peekers     |
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