May 2022

In May we celebrate the changing of the seasons. The sun is shining and it is much warmer during the day.
The days are longer and people are enjoying beer and “gemütlichkeit” in the beer gardens.
Many of the public swimming facilities (Freibad) will open. Other swimming options are to swim in a the ocean, a Baggersee, or a lake.
On the 1st of May (Mayday), in most small towns, people will come together to put up the Maypole. Most will wear traditional clothes for the event. It is a tradition in smaller villages to steal each other’s poles.
To get the Maypole back, the town has to pay a hefty ransom (mostly beer).
Once the Maypole is up, there the music, dancing, and feasting can start.
The tradition of putting up a Maypole dates back to the 16th century.
It is also the start of the summer festivals, see the events section.
It is also great weather for outdoor activities. See out Sports Section

In both South Africa and Germany, Mother’s day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Fathers day is celebrated in June in South Africa but in Germany, it is celebrated on Ascension Day (Hemelvaart/Christi Himmelfahrt) and thus falls on a public holiday. Ascension Day is always on a Thursday.

It is also pollen season. You can have a look at the Pollenkalender here