On June 17 and 18, Munich celebrates its 865th city anniversary. The event will take place centrally between Sendlinger Straße and Odeonsplatz – with a programme for young and old.
Munich – Art, dancing, beer gardens and lots of music: this is on the agenda on Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18, in Munich. The occasion is the celebration of the founding of the city on the occasion of Munich's 865th birthday. On June 14, 1158, the Bavarian metropolis was documented for the first time – its official date of birth. The festivities will take place between Sendlinger Straße and Odeonsplatz from 11.15 a.m. Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) gives the opening speech. Another important item on the agenda is the farewell to the old Münchner Kindl. After that, her successor will be welcomed.
Flowers and trumpets: firecrackers open the birthday
"When our city celebrates its birthday, a single day is simply not enough. That's why the party will last a whole weekend again this year," says Mayor Reiter. After his speech, 50 firecrackers are to announce the start of the birthday party from the town hall balcony and the tower of Old Peter.
Dieter Reiter and his wife Petra Reiter at the 2019 city foundation festival. ©
The motto of this year's festivities is "With flowers and trumpets". The "Flower Power Festival", which is taking place in Munich until 7 October, is also contributing to the birthday with two pop-up gardens. These will be presented under the motto "Celebrating nature in the city". The city is building the first one at Marienplatz. The second garden is to be built at the Rindermarkt, where visitors can also buy plants.
Even more festivities: ballroom dances and murder mystery games
In addition to the 865th birthday of the city of Munich, the 140th birthday of the Bavarian Traditional Costume Association will also be celebrated on the weekend. That's why dance master Katharina Mayer performs with the Karl Edelmann Salon Orchestra in the ballroom of the Old Town Hall. They teach visitors and interested parties the ballroom dance "Münchner Française".
Various artisans and showmen will set up their stalls, stages and tents on the streets. There is also something planned for the entertainment of the children, including a historical murder mystery game called "With bacon you catch mice" in the Alter Hof.
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