When the sky burns in southern Germany

Invitation to Seißen (near Ulm) for the “Funkenfeuer”

Save-the-Date; February, 22, 2026, Meeting Point Ulm Central

On the evening of the first Sunday after Carnival, large “Funkenfeuer” bonfires blaze in many places in the Alpine foothills, symbolically burning a straw “witch.”

The origin of this ancient custom remains unclear to this day and has many possible explanations: On the one hand, it is reminiscent of Easter and solstice fires and is explained as the burning of “evil,” the “witch,” at the end of winter to strengthen the power of the sun and ward off misfortune. On the other hand, the bonfire is associated with the fertility rites and burnt offerings of the Celts. One thing is undisputed, however: the brighter and higher the fire burns, the more fertile and better the following year will be, and illness and misfortune will be averted.