Festival of the Ménétriers or Pfifferdaj of Ribeauvillé
The Festival of the Ménétriers or Pfifferdaj of Ribeauvillé is the oldest festival in Alsace. In 2024, it will be held for the 634th time, on August 31st, September 1st and 2nd, 2024.
It has kept its traditions, costumes, colours and the fame that hundreds of musicians and troubadours have given it since the 14th century. At that time, they came to Ribeauvillé to celebrate their bond with the Lords of Ribeaupierre who protected them.
Since that day, every year around 1500 volunteers are involved in the construction of the floats that parade through the old town on the first Sunday of September.
In fact, the associations of Ribeauvillé compete in a real competition to build the most beautiful float based on the drawings of a model maker. Each year, a different theme from the Middle Ages serves as a guide; 2024: “Les Jeux des Ribeaupierre” (The Games of Ribeaupierre).
Let yourself be enchanted by melodies that resound on every street corner. Enjoy the spectacle to the fullest, we hope that this festival will be a source of joy and wonder for you.
Prices:
- Adults: €10 / Children from 6 to 12 years: €5 / Reduced price: €8.
- Grandstand seat: €15 (in addition to the entrance fee).
2024 programme
The highlight of the festival is the parade on Sunday, but numerous events are offered throughout the weekend:
Saturday 31 August:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Medieval market in the courtyard of the media library
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Street entertainment by the Dancerie des Ribeaupierre and the group “Skadefryd”
from 7 p.m.: Dancing and food in the marquee in the Jardin de Ville
8.30 p.m.: Torchlight procession – starting from the Place de la République towards the Chapiteau du Jardin de Ville
in the evening: Fanfare procession through the Grand’rue
Sunday 1 September:
9 a.m.: Wake-up call by the Ménestrels of the Harmonie Municipale VOGESIA at the Tour des Bouchers
10 a.m.: Musical performances in the Grand’rue and in all the squares until the start of the parade
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Medieval market in the courtyard of the Media library
12:30 p.m.: Medieval meal in the courtyard of the Grand Bailli by the Groupe des Ménétriers of the Club Vosgien
2:30 p.m.: GREAT HISTORICAL PARADE – starting at Place de la République (Upper Town)
After the parade:
Free wine at the fountain – Place de l’Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall Square)
Ball and meal in the marquee in the town garden
Good to know: The parade’s placement will no longer be announced at the end of the parade, but only on Monday 4 September at 5 p.m.
Monday 2 September:
from 5 p.m.
Musical Aubade by the Harmonie Municipale VOGESIA.
Announcement of the results of the parade and awarding of the diplomas
Presentation of the traditional gingerbread to the first magistrate of the city
from Friday 23 August to Sunday 8 September:
Funfair in the Jardin de Ville and illumination of the castles
Sunday 8 September:
9 a.m.: Procession to the Notre Dame de Dusenbach pilgrimage; starting at the Place de la Sinne with the participation of the Harmonie Municipale VOGESIA