The inhabitants of Kassel like to party and after 2.5 years of pandemic limitations it was time again for the biggest party, the Zissel. It is unclear were this name comes from but the best guess is that it originates in the Low German language where it means something like to spend money for having fun. The Zissel is celebrated since 1926 and always happens on the first weekend of August from Friday to Monday. It starts with attaching the Zisselhäring (a large herring) to the Rondell on Friday and ends with removing and releasing the herring to the water on Monday evening.
In between you can find a very long party zone beginning at the Rondell and stretching all along the river Fulda and the Karlsaue gardens. The street Auedamm is closed during that time and on it you will find endless stands providing food and drinks but also the typical games of German fun fairs. The Karlswiese within the Karlsaue gardens is used for rollercoasters and similar attractions which is in 2022 quite interesting because documenta fifteen and Zissel get pretty close there.
In addition to the possibility to meet and party there is also a framework of activities including fireworks, concerts, a parade through the city, a parade on the water and a progression of swimmers with torches. And if you’re sorry that it is already over again: always two weeks after the Zissel the next big party starts, the Wehlheider Kirmes. They’ll always find a reason to party here… 😉
Zissel
Das große nordhessische Heimat- und Wasserfest
Rondell/Drahtbrücke/Fuldaufer
Kassel
Germany
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