Alsfeld celebrates!1st Hessentag in Alsfeld

Why Alsfeld was chosen as the venue for the very first “Hessentag” can no longer be determined with certainty. Was it due to its central location within Hesse or the historic city center, so attractive to visitors? Or did the choice simply best reflect the idea of then-Prime Minister Georg-August Zinn to bring together long-established residents and newcomers through a “Festival of Hessians”? The primary goal was to convey a sense of security and home. This applied not only to native Hessians but especially to the large number of refugees who had lost their homes as a result of World War II and had found a new place to stay in the Alsfeld area.

Considering the lengthy and extensive preparations required for later Hessentags, the inaugural event in 1961 seems almost like a “minor event.” During a city council meeting on February 17, the mayor only presented the decision from Wiesbaden “for information” under agenda item 19. Furthermore, the event was not to be held independently but in conjunction with the traditional “Prämienmarkt” (Fair) from June 30 to July 3.

The program included sporting and cultural events, but the highlight was the concluding parade, which has remained a permanent feature of all subsequent Hessentags. (NH)