Tanz In Den Mai Bad Vilbel

In the charming town of Bad Vilbel, nestled between Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, an annual event takes place that's as delightful as it is peculiar. It's called "Tanz in den Mai" - which literally translates to "Dance into May" - and it's a tradition that's been going strong for over 50 years.

What's the Big Deal About Dancing?

You might be thinking, "Dancing? That's not so unusual." But hold on to your hats, because this isn't your average dance-off. The twist here is that the dancing happens in the streets, at midnight, and it's led by none other than the mayor!

Did you know? The current mayor, Roland Kern, has been leading the dance since 2016. He's quite the mover, too - he even did a little jive at his inauguration!

How It All Began

The story goes that back in 1967, the then-mayor, Heinz-Gerhard Schönholz, wanted to bring the community together and celebrate the arrival of spring. So, he gathered a few friends, and at the stroke of midnight on May 1st, they started dancing in the town square. The next year, more people joined in, and a tradition was born.

From a Few Friends to Thousands of Strangers

Today, "Tanz in den Mai" attracts thousands of people from all over the region. They come dressed in everything from traditional German folk costumes to pajamas, ready to dance the night away. And the best part? Anyone can join in!

Fun fact! The most popular dance moves here are the Polka and the Hully Gully. But don't be surprised if you see some modern moves thrown in - after all, it's a party!

More Than Just a Dance

What started as a simple dance has evolved into a symbol of unity and joy. It's a night when strangers become friends, and friends become family. It's a night when the town comes alive, and everyone is welcome.

So, if you ever find yourself in Bad Vilbel on May 1st, don't be surprised if you see the mayor leading a conga line down the street. Just join in, and dance your way into May!