The Munich Schäfflertanz 2026
They're dancing again! Everything you need to know about the Schäfflertanz
The Munich Schäfflertanz (Coopers’ Dance) is back! Every seven years, this traditional spectacle brings a festive atmosphere to Munich's streets and squares. They also perform at schools, companies, anniversary celebrations, and carnival balls.
As always, the coopers performed their first dance on January 6th, Epiphany, at Marienplatz. The Munich Schäffler can be seen around 450 times throughout the city and the surrounding area, and they will traditionally dance until Shrove Tuesday.
Encouraging people in times of plague
According to legend, the custom dates back to 1517, when the plague ravaged the city and killed about a third of the population. People were afraid to go outside and hid in their homes, even after the plague had moved on. In order to bring public life back to the city, a group of coopers ventured out onto the streets and started to sing and dance, thus encouraging the people of Munich to go outside again.
However, there is no real evidence for this legend – it may have originated much later, in the 19th century. It is also not entirely clear why the dance is held every seven years. One interpretation is that the plague raged in Munich every seven years. Incidentally, the Schäfflertanz was first mentioned in the Munich archives in 1702.
What do the Schäffler wear?
The Schäffler costume consists of white knee socks, black knee-length trousers, a bright red jacket, a leather apron, and a cap. In addition, the so-called “Pestband” across the chest is a reminder of the old legend. The outfit is completed by traditional shoes, which have to be resoled several times during the dance season. Each Schäffler costume is tailor-made and costs around 3,000 euros, financed by the money raised through dancing, and donations.
Careful preparation, successful choreography
Weeks of preparation are needed to ensure that such a choreography is performed perfectly. We were able to watch the rehearsals at the Laimer Fassfabrik Schmid in late fall, and we were impressed! But the many training sessions were worth it – every step looks perfect at the Schäfflertanz 2026.
Each performance begins and ends with the Bavarian Defiliermarsch, and the Münchner Kindl – the symbolic Munich monch - welcomes the audience. The Schäffler dancers carry boxwood bows weighing a good five kilos as they perform dance figures with names like “Laube” (arbor), ‘Schlange’ (snake), and “Krone” (crown). Two Kasperl (Punch) characters jump through the rows and paint black noses on the audience – this is supposed to bring good luck. The hoop swinger thanks the host on behalf of all the Schäffler and skillfully swings the painted wooden hoop.
See you again in 2033!
Today, there are not many trained barrel makers left, which is why the Munich Barrel Makers' Association is open to members from other professions. If you feel like joining the ranks of the barrel makers next season, i.e. in 2033, you can find out what you need to do in our “Interview with a Munich Barrel Maker.”