Michelstadt Bee Market

The bee market in Michelstadt is a traditional folk festival that takes place every year at Whitsun. It was founded in 1955 by the then mayor Erwin Hasenzahl and has since developed into one of the largest festivals in the Odenwald district.

The festival begins on the Friday before Whitsun and lasts for ten days. It offers an extensive supporting program with rides, gastronomy, sporting events such as a town run, a large fireworks display and cultural highlights. Particularly popular are the flower parade on the last Sunday, where colorfully decorated floats parade through the streets, and the bee auction held by the Odenwald Beekeepers' Association on the last day of the market.

Another highlight is the children's festival, where elementary school and kindergartens organize a town rally with play stations. The bee market is also affectionately known as the “Pitschefescht”, which alludes to the often rainy weather during the event.