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In May, we celebrate the changing of the seasons. The sun is shining and it is much warmer during the day. 
The days are longer and people are enjoying beer and “gemütlichkeit” in the beer gardens.

On the 1st of May (Mayday and also Tag der Arbeit), in most small towns, people will come together to put up the Maypole. Most will wear traditional clothes for the event. It is a tradition in smaller villages to steal each other’s poles. To get the Maypole back, the town has to pay a hefty ransom (mostly beer). Once the Maypole is up, the music, dancing, and feasting can begin.
The tradition of putting up a Maypole dates back to the 16th century. Other traditions include dancing or  “Tanz in den Mai”,  “Maisprung” or May Jump where the brave jump over bonfires at midnight.
Because it is also Workers Day, you can expect trade union marches.

In South Africa and Germany, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Father’s Day is celebrated in June in South Africa but in Germany, it is celebrated on Ascension Day (Hemelvaart/Christi Himmelfahrt) and thus falls on a public holiday. Ascension Day is always on a Thursday.

Many of the public swimming facilities (Freibad) will open. Other swimming options are to swim in the ocean, a Baggersee, or a lake.

Swimming in Germany

Swimming options Private swimming pools are not so popular in Germany, but there are good public swimming options available. Public swimming pools / Öffentliche Schimmbäder / Freibad Freiseitparks like Europapark Baggersee (Man-made lakes) Lakes The ocean / Nordsee or Ostsee Rules for swimming in Lakes Never dive/jump into a lake

With such beautiful weather, endless opportunities exist to indulge in fun outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, picnicking, or simply soaking up the radiant sunshine, the possibilities are endless. 

Participating in Sports in Germany

Sports in Germany South Africans are generally a sport-crazy bunch. Not just watching it, but also actively taking part. Participating in sports here in Germany has its challenges, mostly due to the weather. But, as the German saying goes – there isn’t something like bad weather, only bad clothing and

Season Spring
Time Central European Time (CET), Summertime – the same time as South Africa until the last Sunday of October, when Wintertime starts (29 October 2024).
Weather

The average temperature is between 7.2 and 16.8 degrees Celsius. The days become longer and there are more hours of sunshine.
It is also pollen season. You can have a look at the Pollenkalender here

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

Many towns will host spring festivals. Two famous ones are the Frühlingsfest in Munich and the one in Stuttgart.
Tip if you are interested in the  Summer night concert in Schönbrunn, which is in June, get your tickets early.

Holidays

HolidayDateInformationStates
Public Holidays
Tag der Arbeit / Worker's Day01.05.2024Tag der Arbeit / Worker's DayAll
Christi Himmelfahrt09.05.2024Christi Himmelfahrt / Ascension of ChristAll
Pfingstsonntag19.05.2024Brandenburg
Pfingstmontag20.05.2024Whit Monday or PentacostAll
Fronleichnam / Corpus Christi30.05.2024Corpus ChristiBW, BY, HE, NW, RP, SL
Observations
Father's Day09.05.2024All
Mother's Day12.05.2024Same as in South AfricaAll
School Holidays and Terms
PfingstferienVariousShool Holidays

Events listed on our website

Some foods and drinks to try

01.

Asparagus

Asparagus season in Germany only lasts from April to June 24th.  For ideas on how to make the most of the season, check out our updated  Spargel page.

02.

Bärlauch

Also known as wild garlic or Ramsons. The taste is a cross between onions and garlic. Do not pick them yourself, as they can be mistaken for Lily of the Valley which is poisonous. Bärlauch can be added to omelettes, soups, and stews or used as a pesto. We recently added a page to our website with more information

03.

Kohlrabi, also called German turnip or turnip cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that belongs to the brassica family. It has a fresh, slightly sweet taste, and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. For delicious Kohlrabi recipes, check out Chefkock for inspiration!

04.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb (der Rhabarber) is a versatile plant that can be used in many ways. It’s great in pies, desserts, compote, jams, chutneys, and savoury sauces. Chefs and home cooks love rhubarb’s unique tart flavour.

05.

Beer

Indulge in the exquisite taste  Maibock beer. This beer boasts a complex flavour that satisfies any palate.

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Maypole der Maibaum
a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. die Gemütlichkeit
man-made quarry filled with water

der Baggersee

Lake der See
Ocean das Meer
Beach der Strand/der Badestrand

Sources

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