At the start of the new year, on the eve of January 6, Franconians gather to “stock up on strength for the entire year.” According to the Association for the Promotion of Franconian Brewing Culture, this custom marked the beginning of the new year until 1691. Because New Year’s Day was previously celebrated on this date, it is still referred to in Franconia as the “Great New Year,” “High New Year,” or Obershder.
The belief is that beer will protect Franconians from all misfortunes in the coming year—specifically by “drinking in” power and health, known in the local dialect as Stärk, while in good company. To ensure the protection lasts for all twelve months, tradition dictates drinking one mug (Seidla) for each month of the year. Historically, the glasses are filled primarily with strong winter beers or Bock beers. This January, Franconians will once again gather to partake in this ritual of strength.
Traditions in Middle and Upper Franconia
While the custom of Stärk antrinken originated in Upper Franconia, it is increasingly celebrated in urban environments as well. In Nuremberg, for instance, the Z-Bau cultural center hosted the event, with the Z-Bräu brewery organizing festivities on January 5 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For many years, the Kellerbergverein Höchstadt association has celebrated this holiday in the Petersbeck-Keller in Höchstadt an der Aisch. Two brewing groups from the association brewed two different beers this year to safeguard participants against “potential dangers, illnesses, and hardships of the new year.” Guests were offered an 8.2% Doppelbock and a drinkable Märzen with an alcohol content of 5.8%.
Other celebrations included:
- Pegnitz: A themed event at Hotel Hartmanns on Epiphany featuring a DJ.
- Heslach (Bayreuth District): A community gathering at the local community center starting at 2:00 PM.
- Neunkirchen am Brand: Revival of the custom on January 6.
- Eckersdorf: Celebrations in the town hall garden on January 6, concluding with a fire show.
- Weißenohe Abbey Brewery: A celebration with bonfires and music by Martin Meinzer on January 5, marking the end of the “Rauhnächte” (Twelve Nights).
In Bamberg, January 6 holds a prominent place for local breweries. The city’s oldest tavern, Sternla, opened at 10:00 AM, even interrupting its scheduled company holidays. The Greifenklau brewery brewed various strong beers, tapping six different varieties for the communal celebration.
Customs in the Upper Palatinate
The Zoigl establishment “Zur Gerechtsamkeit” in Neunkirchen invited guests on January 6 at 5:00 PM. Via Instagram, the tavern in Weiden (Upper Palatinate) announced that for the communal drinking, the eleventh and twelfth 0.5-liter servings would be free of charge.
Does the Custom Actually Help?
Despite this long-standing tradition, approximately one-fifth of Germans have made a New Year’s resolution to drink less alcohol. Alcohol remains the most common psychoactive substance in Germany. But how harmful is this Franconian custom?
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) published data stating that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges of the WHO Regional Office for Europe explained that health risks begin with the very first drop.
However, beer specifically can be surprisingly beneficial for the heart. Research from University College London in 2021 suggested that consuming fewer than six 0.5-liter bottles of medium-strength beer per week could reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. While these limits are likely exceeded during the Franconian festivities, moderate enjoyment could potentially reduce the risk of myocardial infarction by 50 percent.Источник: nordbayern
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