The Kinderzeche in Dinkelsbühl is a traditional children's and local festival with roots in the 17th century. Since 1897, a historical festival play has been performed that tells a local legend from the Thirty Years' War: Dinkelsbühl children save their town from destruction by Swedish troops in 1632. The Kinderzeche has been part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage since 2016.
The festival takes place annually around the third Monday in July. Over 1,100 participants - including all schoolchildren from years 1 to 8 - bring the history of the town to life. Highlights include the festival play, magnificent parades on both Sundays and Monday and historical dances in the old town.
Dinkelsbühl is also a town of parity: Catholics and Protestants have had equal rights since 1648 - a unique feature in the Old Reich. The Kinderzeche thus stands for community, living history and cultural diversity.
