Start the year with fireworks

Created: 01/02/2023, 09:00

By: Michaele Heske

Welcome: The town of Dorfen not only welcomed the year 2023 with a fireworks display worth seeing, but also heralded the anniversary year in a spectacular way © Birgit Lang

Happy New Year!

More than 600 Dorfeners celebrated the turn of the year together at the Unterer Markt.

Dorfen – The city donated champagne and free beer.

At midnight, firecrackers rang out and sparks flew: the city's anniversary began precisely at twelve o'clock - Dorfen will be celebrating its 1250th birthday in 2023.

"There has never been a New Year's reception like this - of course we're there," said Evelyn Gauster, who was previously at the New Year's Eve performance of the "Grand Duchess of Gerolstein" in the Jakobmayer (see report below) and only had to cross the street to be in the middle of the to stand in a tumult.

What the dog owner also liked: "If there's only gunfire in the city center, that's better for the animals."

The people of Dorfen really let it rip this year, mainly in the city, and welcomed the new year with joy.

Wind instruments played "Joy, beautiful god sparks", after which many couples danced into the new year with a lively waltz.

The mood was exuberant.

"One shouldn't let inflation and price increases drive one crazy," said Karl Zöllner.

He's not afraid of the future, said the mechanic: "It's going to be another strong year - it can only get better."

Nele Bordiantschuk, just 19 years old, was particularly pleased that after the two-year break on New Year's Eve due to Corona, it was finally possible to celebrate again.

"It's just good to be here with friends and family," said the student, beaming.

Great atmosphere: Around 600 people - young and old - came to the Unterer Markt at midnight, danced and celebrated.

© Birgit Lang

Reason for the celebration at midnight: the big city anniversary.

The name "Dorfin" was first mentioned in a deed of donation dated August 28, 773.

At that time, however, what was meant was the present-day district of Oberdorfen.

The original parish was also located here.

In 1270 Dorfen is then attested as a ducal market.

"I'm part of this history, at least the younger ones," explained Ralf Lorberg, who somehow thought it was cool to be a part of it.

The social worker has decided to visit many of the planned events in the new year.

"We have a great program and are celebrating for 90 days," advertised project manager Sigrid Wiedenhofer, who is responsible for the numerous events in the anniversary year.

Wiedenhofer hopes for many visitors.

The highlight, the open-air performance of Faust on the Unterer Markt, is particularly close to her heart: "It will be a spectacle - let yourself be surprised."

The head of the town hall, Heinz Grundner, was also in good spirits, diligently pouring out sparkling wine to the surprisingly large number of guests.

The mayor's New Year's speech was short.

"Despite all the current difficulties, I hope that the people of Dorfen will also be doing well in 2023 - that we can continue to live in peace and that the prosperity of the city will be preserved."