The most bizarre club in Germany: Schlaraffen celebrates tradition in Hameln!

The most bizarre club in Germany: Schlaraffen celebrates tradition in Hameln!

In Hameln, where the Weser flows picturesquely through the city, there is an institution that enlivens the cityscape with a strong dose of humor and art: the Schlaraffia. Founded in Prague in 1859, this quirky club maintains the traditions and values ​​of a German-speaking network that was created specifically for men. The Hamelin “Reych”, founded in 1957, has developed its own identity with its own calendar, the year 97 anno Uhui.

The Schlaraffen, as the members call themselves, meet every Thursday from October to April in their cozy “rat castle”. There is a friendly, almost familiar atmosphere here. The clans are ritualized with a celebratory reception, where the guests are welcomed by a line of members with clattering wooden swords - in the style of a knight's game. A special feature: The Schlaraffen give up their common surnames and instead adopt knighthoods that distinguish them in their community. Members wear caps and light blue capes, and a master of ceremonies presides over the events.

A cultural celebration.

For the clans, which have already completed their 2,083rd round this year, it is not just tradition that is in the foreground. The Schlaraffen's current program promises a colorful mix of classical music, humorous interludes, poems and their own songs. A total of 17 Cockaignes have registered for the so-called “Fechsungen” – lectures that will be held in this festive round. Foreign members from different cities are always welcome guests, including a representative from New Orleans.

A festive highlight is set with a sparkling fireworks display that crowns the event. You also say goodbye to Benjamin Franklin with a clever sentence that not only makes you think, but also shows how deeply the values ​​of art and humor are rooted in the Cockaigne. The motto of the association, “In arte voluptas” – There is pleasure in art – is not only proclaimed here, but also lived with every meeting.

An outlook on upcoming events.

The next big event is already in the starting blocks: the “Kulturiade” will take place on November 19th. This festival is open to men and women and promises to not only enrich the life of Cockaigne, but also to attract many new faces to the rat castle. It remains exciting to see how the community continues and develops this tradition.

At a time when there is often a lack of humor and togetherness, the Schlaraffen offer a welcome space to celebrate friendship and art. Access to the castle is possible via a gate on the 164er Ring - a little adventure that really makes this special world of milk and honey come alive.

The mixture of tradition, humor and a pinch of crazy makes this club one of the most bizarre and at the same time most fascinating places in Hameln.