Pig balloons for a festival (catherinelprod-Adobe Stock )
Säubrennerkirmes Wittlich | Aug. 14-18, 2026
Despite being a fun cultural festival, the Säubrennerkirmes, or Pig Burner Fair in Wittlich, has a slightly morbid history. One evening, during ancient times when the city was threatened by enemy forces, a guard couldn’t find a peg to secure the gate, so he used a turnip.
During the night a pig ate it, making it easy for the invaders to sack the village. As a punishment for the pigs, the villagers roasted them.
Today, the city ceremoniously roasts 100 pigs on a spit to open the four-day fair. Visitors can shop at a craftsman’s market, enjoy live entertainment and watch parades where participants dress in pig costumes. There will also be rides and Mosel wine.
