As an American in Germany, I didn’t notice a difference in how Father’s Day was celebrated for a few years. Every now and then you see a group of men riding beer bikes or rowdy dudes in Berlin bars, but I figured it was the usual stag / bachelor party passing through town. It wasn’t until I heard the mention of Männertag (“Men’s Day”) that I linked these raucous events to a vacation.
Father’s Day in Germany is much more than just giving away a tie. This holiday is a day off for all and an opportunity for men to act like children. Also known as Vatertag, it involves drinking beer by the maß (liter), finding some wheels, and the responsibility of taking a vacation. Find out how you can make the most of Father’s Day in Germany.
History of Father’s Day in Germany
The holiday actually has noble beginnings in the Middle Ages as a religious ceremony honoring Gott, den Vater (God, the father). By the 1700s, the day morphed into Vatertag , a family day honoring the father of the family. The men would be brought to the center of the village and the father with most of the children would get a reward, often a large ham.
He fell completely out of favor, but returned in the 19th century as Männertag . Losing focus on dear old father, it was billed as a “boys’ day” or by its more positive euphemism for “gentlemen’s parties.” How that has morphed into today’s celebrations where no gentlemen are seen is still a question.
When is Father’s Day in Germany?
Vatertag from Germany coincides with Ascension Day ( Christi Himmelfahrt in German). It occurs every year on the fortieth day after Easter, a Thursday in May. It is a national holiday throughout the country and the following Friday is usually a bruckentag (bridge day) which provides for a 4-day weekend. That means you can have one day of bingeing and three days to recover.
In 2019, Vatertag is May 30.
How to celebrate Father’s Day in Germany
While the celebrations are generally for men only, it is not limited to fathers. Any man with männlichkeitswahn (machismo) and a desire to enjoy his caveman side can participate in Vaterstag .
Popular activities for father’s day in Germany
- Pub tour of your favorite bars (Männerrunde)
- Savor the drinks, food and atmosphere of the many biergartens in Germany.
- Ride a bicycle group Bollerwagen (I handcart) bicycle alcohol or beer
- Reserve spots in a brewery for your group to drink and sing during the day
- Meet in a park with games like petanque, grill, and cases of beer, brandy, and mixers.
If you want to honor your father, gifts are of course appreciated. Something as simple as a call is expected, or it can be sneaky. Better yet, buy Dad a German beer to suit the holiday spirit.
Safety in Männertag
Whatever the day brings, alcohol is likely involved. Männertag ‘s reputation as a sauftag (day drinking) has made it unpopular with some segments of the population and – understandably – with the Polizei (police).
According to the UDV (German Institute for Insurance Accident Research), there are three times more alcohol- related traffic accidents in Männertag . The popular German magazine Bild even blatantly dubbed Ascension Day “Accident Day.”
Some cities have tried to stem the chaos by imposing public bans on drinking on this day or in the evening, but the courts have dismissed these measures. In Rostock, the police experimented with trying to exchange alcoholic beverages for non-alcoholic beverages… with limited success.
There seems to be little chance of officially curbing the behavior, so wherever your day takes you, it’s your responsibility. Comply with all laws and regulations and be respectful of authorities. Männertag is only one day a year; you don’t want to pay it with the other 364.
How to avoid Männertag
For those who want to unsubscribe from the celebrations, it is still a day off in May offering the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather ( daumen drücken or “thumb pressed”). Stay away from bars, avoid roving men’s groups, and enjoy your vacation.
