The Minstrels’ Festival (Pfifferdaj) 2025 in Ribeauvillé

What is the Minstrels’ Festival (also called “Pfifferdaj”)?

The Minstrels’ Festival is one of the oldest celebrations in Alsace. In the Middle Ages, musicians and troubadours were under the protection of the Ribeaupierre, the lords of Ribeauvillé.

To honour this legacy and the town's bond with the minstrels, nearly 1,500 volunteers come together each year to build stunning floats for the Grand Historical Parade, held on the first Sunday of September.

But the celebration spans the entire weekend, marking a major highlight in Ribeauvillé’s calendar. Want to know more? Here’s an overview of the 2025 "Pfiff" programme.

Saturday, September 6 – Let the festivities begin

Throughout the day, Ribeauvillé will host a medieval market in the courtyard of the media library (10 am–9 pm) and street performances by the group “Skadefryd” (11 am–6 pm).

In the evening, a ball with food service will be held under the marquee in the Jardin de Ville from 7 pm. At 8:30 pm, the traditional torchlit procession will bring the medieval city to life (starting at Place de la République towards the Jardin de Ville).

Sunday, September 7 – Grand Historical Parade Day

The medieval market (10 am–7 pm) and “Skadefryd” performances (10 am–12 pm) will continue alongside new musical events. At 9 am, the minstrels of the Vogesia Municipal Harmony will awaken the city at the Tour des Bouchers, followed by performances along the Grand’Rue and main squares until the start of the parade.

The highlight will of course be the Grand Historical Parade, this year themed “The Metamorphosis of Merlin.” The procession will begin at 2:30 pm from Place de la République, featuring no fewer than 22 floats to captivate all ages.

New in 2025: a fanfare parade, “Meeting of the Minstrels of Alsace,” will precede the main event starting at 1:30 pm, with 7 local bands performing.

Monday, September 8 – Parade Awards Day

Votes for favourite floats may be submitted online after the parade (around 4 pm on Sunday). Results will be announced from 5 pm at the Town Hall square, with diploma ceremonies and a musical performance by the Vogesia Municipal Harmony. The city’s First Magistrate will also receive the traditional gingerbread.