Platt - et letzte Stöck von de Aldestadt
When the older residents of Düsseldorf talk among themselves, or “Mäutzkes verzälle” as it is known, you can still hear it: the Düsseldorf dialect. When you hear it for the first time, it sounds similar to the “Kölsch” dialect (Cologne), but it distinguishes itself through some special features: do you want to know what a “Rotzisch” or a “Plüschprum” is and what a resident of Düsseldorf means when he or she says “Et hät no immer joot jejange”? Then why not learn the dialect? The “Mundartfreunde” (regional dialect lovers) run language courses for the Düsseldorf dialect. Have fun: “Spaß an de Freud”!
Public festival mood in summer
Candyfloss, roller coasters and numerous beer tents – visitors to Düsseldorf in July should not miss a stroll around the Biggest Funfair on the Rhine. The public festival lasts nine days and draws up to four million visitors annually to the floodplains on the Oberkassel banks of the Rhine. Düsseldorf’s oldest marksmen's club, the Sankt Sebastianus Schützenverein of 1316, founded the fair and still organises it today.
Marksmen’s festivals
Marksmen's clubs are as much a part of Düsseldorf as Radschläger and Carnival. The art of marksmanship dates back to the vigilante groups in the Middle Ages, when craftsmen and journeymen undertook to protect the property of citizens against marauding enemies. There are numerous clubs active in Düsseldorf and its surrounding area. The highlights of the year for marksmen are the almost 50 festivals, which take place from April to September.
Lanterns for St. Martin
Getting in the mood for advent: on 10th November, it is a tradition in Düsseldorf to remember the Roman legionary St. Martin, who shared his coat with a beggar. More than a hundred St. Martin processions wind their way through the State capital around 10th November. St. Martin, riding on his horse, is followed by singing children with their lanterns. The highlight of every procession is when the division of coats, which takes place rather impressively in the Old Town in front of the City Hall.
Christmas market
The Christmas market in the city centre is also a tradition. For almost five weeks, the city of Düsseldorf is taken over by the scent of roasted almonds and the festive lighting ensures that the narrow streets shine brightly as evening falls. Over 200 stands and stalls have a wide range of different products on offer, in addition to the traditional culinary delights. From Christmas tree decorations, through handicraft products, to warming winter accessories, you can find everything on the market – perhaps even that missing Christmas present. Visitors can round off their stroll around the market with a warming mulled wine.
