Overview

The Candlemas Festival in Spergau in the district of Halle, one of the few examples of a traditional custom that is still largely true to the original. Archival footage from 1925 allows a comparison with current footage of the festivities. In interviews, participants talk about the significance of this custom. The colorful costume of the Candlemas runner consists of many colorful ribbons and floral decorations, which are intended to represent the reawakening of life and spring. The runner, together with other costumed figures such as the singer, trader, peep-box man, kitchen boy, sausage stick bearer, registrar, pritcher, black maker, egg woman, the pea (straw) bear, bear leader, horses and soldiers, parade through the streets from house to house, delighting the locals. The crowning glory of this Candlemas celebration, which takes place every 1st Sunday in February, is a fun party in the marquee with music and dancing.