Murderer tag in Silz: Does spring come or does winter remain?

Murderer tag in Silz: Does spring come or does winter remain?

On February 2, 2025, the marmot day will be celebrated, also known as "Ground Hog Day". This tradition has established itself in the USA and Canada for over a century. In Germany, this custom has recently been celebrated as an entertaining spectacle in the Wildliche Wine Route in Silz, where the event is now looking back on a successful existence. According to Speyer Kurier, the celebrations have been taking place in this picturesque park for three years, which has been home to four marmots since August 2022, which were previously relocated from Berchtesgaden.

The event on February 2 begins at 2 p.m. at the marble enclosure, where the park team offered interesting information about the lifestyle of the marmot. Managing Director Daniel Kraus hopes in advance for a particularly spectacular moment: that a marmot comes out of the building to predict the weather. Wie bereits seit jeher erwartet, deutet der Schattenwurf des Murmeltiers auf die Dauer des Winters hin. Ein Schatten bedeutet, dass der Winter weitere sechs Wochen andauert, während kein Schatten einen nahenden Frühling signalisiert.

entertainment program in the wild park

In addition to the shadow play of the marmots, the festival is supplemented by a varied, "Deitsch-Pennsylvanisches" entertainment program. This starts at 5 p.m., presented by Herbert and Karin Tiefel and Dr. Michael Werner, editor of the newspaper "Hiwwe like Driwwe". The colorful mix of music and performances aims to celebrate the culture and tradition of the region.

The visitors are cordially invited to bring their curiosity with them and to look for the shadow of the marmots, said Kraus. This corresponds to the core of the marmot day based on old German peasant rules, which were brought to the USA by immigrants to Pennsylvania. The custom is celebrated until today, with the first Öval celebration of the marmot day in 1886 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

opening times and information

Visitors to the game and hiking park can also look forward to opening hours. By the end of February, the park is open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while daily openings take place from 9 a.m. with one last admission at 5 p.m.

Many people combine the marmot day not only with an animal weather report, but also with family reunions and community activities. The tradition testifies to the cultural heritage, which is still alive today, even if critics sometimes see the holiday as cruelty to animals. Nevertheless, the marmot day remains a loving part of the winter traditions, both in North America and in the heart of the Palatinate forest country, such as Southern Weinstraße and Curiose holidays emphasize.