Osnabrück's Steckenpferdritt: Celebrating Peace with Hobby Horses
Osnabrück will celebrate its annual Steckenpferdritt event on Peace Day, October 9. The procession begins at 5:30 PM, led by Mayor Katharina Pötter, who will open it on the cathedral school's schoolyard. This traditional horse riding event commemorates the proclamation of the Westphalian Peace and has been a beloved children's festival in the region for decades.
The event was initiated by city archivist Ludwig Bät in 1948 as part of the city's Peace Memorial Week. Fourth-graders, riding handmade horse models, will parade through the city center to the town hall steps. The project office of the Cultural Department is responsible for the annual planning and organization of this event. The von Dincklage sisters first introduced the horse riding story to Osnabrück in 1875.
After gathering on the market square, children will receive pretzels from the mayor and helpers. The event aims to playfully educate children about the importance of peace and tolerance. The tradition of horse riding dates back to 1650 in Nuremberg, where boys rode to request a 'peace memorial'. This year's event will feature fire juggling, a theater performance, joint singing, and a light show finale.
The Osnabrück horse riding event has been held annually since 1948 and has become a well-known children's festival in the region. This year's event promises to be a fun and engaging way for children to learn about the importance of peace and tolerance, while enjoying various performances and activities.
