1. Federal Swabian Ball in Gerlingen: A festival of friendship and culture!

<ol> <li>Federal Swabian Ball in Gerlingen: A festival of friendship and culture!</li> </ol>

The city of Gerlingen in Baden-Württemberg once again hosted the traditional Federal Swabian Ball on April 5, 2025, which took place for the 68th time this year. Gerlingen, located west of Stuttgart and southwest of Ludwigsburg, has taken over the sponsorship of the Hungarian German Country Team in Baden-Württemberg since 1969. Mayor Dirk Oestringer welcomed numerous guests from all over Europe, especially from Hungary, to the town hall. Among the guests of honor were prominent representatives such as Ibolya Hock-Englender, the chairwoman of the state self-government of the Hungarian Germans in Hungary, and Dr. András Izsák, the Consul General of Hungary.

Oestringer also mentioned an exhibition by the mouth painter Paulus Ploier, which will be on display in the Gerlingen town hall until September 14th. Ploier is a full member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Worldwide and was awarded the “Life Award” in 2011. This year's Federal Swabian Ball had the motto “100 Years of Swabian Balls of the Hungarian-Germans” and thus formed a festive setting to celebrate the lively connection between cultures.

Program of the evening

The evening began with the ceremonial march of the traditional costume groups, which was accompanied by the Prinz Eugen March. Other highlights included the performance of the anthem of the Germans from Hungary and an impressive traditional costume show with 128 people wearing traditional costumes. These performances underlined the importance of traditions and the community between the Hungarian Germans and their German friends.

• Einmarsch der Trachtengruppen
• Hymne der Deutschen aus Ungarn
• Trachtenschau mit 128 Trachtenträgern
• Geselliges Beisammensein
• Unterhaltung durch die „Schnaps-Kapelle“ aus Pécs/Fünfkirchen

The social gathering encouraged the Hungarian-Germans to exchange ideas with their friends and underlined the family atmosphere of the evening. The performances by the Leőwey dance group from Pécs and the Hungarian-German folklore ensemble from Wernau particularly contributed to the festive atmosphere. The evening was accompanied musically by the “Schnaps-Kapelle”, who provided the entertainment. The Jakob Bleyer Silver Medal of Honor was also awarded to Ibolya Hock-Englender and Joschi Ament, and the guests could look forward to a raffle, the proceeds of which went to the graduating classes and other school community events.

Meaning and tradition

The Federal Swabian Ball is not only a festive event, but also forms an important framework for maintaining and strengthening Hungarian-German traditions. The Valeria Koch Education Center in Fünfkirchen contributes to the organization of this cultural highlight. Agnes Amrein-Pesti, the main director, highlights the role of the ball as a central element for community and the transmission of traditions. The ball therefore took place not only as a social event, but also as a celebration of cultural identity and community spirit.

Overall, the Federal Swabian Ball brought together people from different countries and celebrated the close connection between Germany and Hungary, while guests enjoyed the traditional dances and performances that represent the history and pride of the Hungarian-German community.

For further information about the Federal Swabian Ball and upcoming events, visit the website MyDistrict, LDU Online and Center.hu.