The big Wasen-ABC

The Cannstatter Volksfest is more than just roller coasters, roasted almonds, and lottery booths. On this page, you can discover what makes the festival so special.

Simply click on the tiles with the letters. Each one will reveal a term and a brief description.

A

Albdorf: The Albdorf focuses on regionality: At least 75 percent of the food and drinks come from Baden-Württemberg. There's also live music and traditional costume fashion shows. More

B

Beer: Beer has a long tradition at the folk festival. It is traditionally served in the festival tents in a liter mug, which today holds one liter of beer.

C

Cannstatt: At its premiere in 1818, the Cannstatter Volksfest was still called "Agricultural Festival of Kannstadt". Since 1905, Bad Cannstatt has officially belonged to Stuttgart, but remains the festival's namesake to this day.
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D

Dirndl: Derived from the southern German word “Dirn” (girl), it originates from traditional village dress. It consists of a blouse, dress, bodice, and bow. It is still popular today at folk festivals.

E

Eröffnungsfeier (opening ceremony): The festival officially opens with the traditional tapping of the keg by the mayor of Stuttgart. Only then does the beer flow into the mugs at the Wasen.

F

Fruit Column: This commemorates the origins of the festival as a harvest festival. As early as 1818, there was a column with fruits, vegetables, and grains. The current column was created in 1972 and is modeled after the original. More

G

Göckele (chicken): "Göckele" is the diminutive of "Gockel" in the Swabian dialect. This refers to a grilled chicken, a classic dish at the folk festival.

H

Hau den Lukas (Knock the clown): A traditional game of strength dating back to the 19th century. A hammer is used to strike a springy plate to propel a weight upwards and ring the bell at the top.

I

International: Many guests from Switzerland, Italy, America, and other countries find their way to Stuttgart every year. But that's not all: international food and drinks are also offered.

J

Jubelschrei (cheering): Whether it's a wild roller coaster ride or a big win at the lottery booth, cheers are simply part of the experience. Fun is guaranteed for everyone at the Wasen!

K

Krämermarkt (Merchants Market): A long-standing fixture at the festival, around 30 vendors offer textiles, household goods, jewelry, and much more. More

L

Lebkuchenherz (Gingerbread heart): A central symbol of the festival and part of the logo. This popular souvenir with various sayings is available for purchase at the Wasen.

M

Mandeln (Almonds): From roasted almonds to waffles and crêpes to candy floss – the folk festival is guaranteed to leave nothing to be desired.

N

NeckarPark: The Cannstatter Wasen is located in NeckarPark. This is also where you will find the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, the Porsche Arena, the MHPArena of VfB Stuttgart, and the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

O

Original Swabian: Göckele, Kässpätzle, Schupfnudeln and Maultaschen – these and many other traditional Swabian dishes are available at the folk festival.

P

Pfand (deposit): The folk festival has a reusable cup system that reduces waste and contributes to sustainability. A deposit is charged for each cup purchased at a beverage stand. The cups can be returned to any beverage stand.

Q

Quadratmeter (square meters): The Cannstatter Wasen covers 350.000 square meters, including the P10 parking lot. That's enough space for lots of rides, stands, and festival tents.

R

Riesenräder (Ferris wheels): From the two Ferris wheels, guests have a wonderful view of NeckarPark. A ride is always a very special experience!

S

Safety: The Police, the German Red Cross (DRK), the fire department, the security guards, and the Office for Public Order are on duty at the festival. The "Wasenbuoy" offers a safe space for girls and women.

T

Tradition: Tradition plays an important role at the folk festival. Even today, the festival is still traditionally opened with the tapping of the keg. In addition, the big historical folk festival parade takes place on the first Sunday of the festival.

U

U11: The U11 light rail line — also known as the Wasen line — runs directly from the main station to Cannstatter Wasen and back again.

V

Volksfestumzug (folk festival parade): Historical costume groups, musicians and decorated floats move from the Cannstatter Kursaal to the Cannstatter Wasen on the first Sunday of the festival. More

W

Wasenhasi: The Cannstatter Volksfest has had a mascot since 2007. The "Wasenhasi" (a mascot) regularly appears on the square during the festival. More

X

Zum X-ten mal (For the umpteenth time): The festival was first held in 1818. It therefore has a very long tradition that is still alive and celebrated today. More

Y

Youtube-Channel: At www.youtube.com/liveinstuttgart, you will find numerous video impressions reporting on the Cannstatter Volksfest and the main agricultural festival, among other things.

Z

Zelte (Tents): Eight large festival tents and the Albdorf village create a great atmosphere at the Wasen. Whether traditional brass band music or party hits, celebrating is a big deal here. Reservations are recommended.