Groß-Umstadt celebrates with Portuguese flair: a festival for the whole family!

Groß-Umstadt celebrates with Portuguese flair: a festival for the whole family!

The heart of Portugal and its wine culture beats in the charming town of Groß-Umstadt, about 40 minutes by car from Frankfurt. This city in the Odenwald with the largest Portuguese community in Hesse has a traditional connection to the wine town of Santo Tirso in Portugal. The official partnership has existed since 1988 and has a decisive influence on cultural life here. The colorful shops and restaurants, including the popular family-run Costa Verde, offer not only authentic Portuguese food but also the famous Galão, a type of coffee. There is a lot to discover here – for locals and visitors alike.

Groß-Umstadt is often referred to as the “wine island in the Odenwald”. The wine-growing region, which is part of the “Hessische Bergstraße”, extends over an area of ​​85 hectares. Viticulture has a long history in this region, dating back to 775 AD. Many residents of the city are so-called “Saturday-Sunday” winemakers who devote their free time to growing wine. Particularly noteworthy is the wine cooperative, which cultivates almost 90% of the cultivated area. In addition to the traditional wine growers, there are also innovative self-marketers who combine traditional and modern wine production.

The wine festival: highlight in the event calendar

Once a year in September, Groß-Umstadt turns into a real wine festival. The Wine festival takes place on the third weekend in September and attracts numerous visitors. The official opening ceremony begins on Friday evening at 9 p.m. and the entire market square is filled with festive atmosphere and music. One can stroll through the wine stalls, taste local wines and enjoy the atmosphere with live music.

The traditional highlights of the festival are the celebratory reception of the twin cities, the coronation evening for the wine royalty and the big parade on Sunday that moves through the city. For the little guests, there is a children's wine festival in the garden of the Protestant town church, where lots of fun and games await them.

Culture and history in Groß-Umstadt

The city not only has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine and wine, but also culturally. The historic market square, decorated with cobblestones and the Renaissance town hall from the early 17th century, invites you to take a stroll. Exhibitions regularly take place here, while the Protestant town church attracts visitors with its impressive wall paintings from the late 15th century.

Special features such as the two-kilometer-long wine trail provide exciting information about local wine varieties and wine growing. There are also regular events such as the “São João” festival, which is celebrated at the end of July. It offers a Mediterranean flair with culinary delicacies and also attracts many visitors.

There is something for the whole family in Groß-Umstadt. Whether you enjoy the bathing wines of the Odenwald, attend the cultural events or simply soak up the atmosphere of the city - a trip here is worth it. As the reporting shows, the connection to Portugal and viticulture remains a central element of Groß-Umstadt's identity.