Every two years Augsburg celebrates the historical citizens’ festival (Bürgerfest) around the Red Gate (Rote Tor). The historical citizen festival has existed since 1985 to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the city. For ten days, visitors can try dishes from a bygone era, get to know handicrafts and clothing from this time and be entertained by an extensive supporting program. The highlights are the knight tournaments on the weekend, the fire shows in the evening and the guided tours through the herb garden and the Fuggerei.
The Fuggerei is the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use. It is a walled enclave within the city of Augsburg, Bavaria. It takes its name from the Fugger family and was founded in 1516 by Jakob Fugger the Younger (known as “Jakob Fugger the Rich”) as a place where the needy citizens of Augsburg could be housed.
There are Bavarian Oompah Bands, medieval rides, decorated horses, craftsmen, and many other activities. Many locals donned medieval costumes to add to the atmosphere. Being stationed with the 66thMilitary Intelligence Brigade in Augsburg, I was fortunate to experience this wonderful festival and sample some old world “delicacies”. Unfortunately, the US Military closed its doors on Bavarian Augsburg in 1998 and moved to Darmstadtin Hessen Germany.
