Klaus Salzmann: Herschberg veteran celebrates his 90th birthday!

Klaus Salzmann: Herschberg veteran celebrates his 90th birthday!

On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Klaus Salzmann will celebrate a very special event in Herschberger Gartenstrasse: his 90th birthday. In the small community of Herschberg, where he was born, the man not only spent his childhood, but also discovered many of his passions. After eight years of elementary school, he learned the profession of tailor and worked for a long time in a company in Pirmasens. His career later led him to the Bundeswehr, where he most recently worked at the Bärenhütte location.

At the age of 54, Klaus Salzmann passed the hunter examination in 1974, inspired by a friend. From then on, he enjoyed hunting in Herschberg and Weselberg, while at the same time intensively cultivating his love of nature - especially in his own garden. Music was another central part of his life. To this day, he occasionally plays the guitar and nostalgically remembers previous “Tanztee” events, such as at Café Kunz in Winzeln.

A musical legacy

An important milestone in Klaus Salzmann's life was the founding of the Herschberger Narrensänger in 1961. This group accompanied their first performances with a special flair. The first television appearance in the Stuttgart Liederhalle during the ZDF production “Revue der Narren” is particularly memorable. An amusing anecdote reports that the Jester Singers' double bass helped the Eilemann Trio from Cologne when the instrument was forgotten on the train. The Eilemann Trio, known for its cheerful music and feeling for the carnival atmosphere, was influenced by Günter Eilemann, another prominent name in the Cologne music scene. He was born on April 14, 1923 in Cologne and died in 2015, but had a lasting influence on the carnival tradition with over 200 songs.

Günter Eilemann became known through his appearances on television shows and the great chemistry with his bandmates. His first hit, “Eetz kütt et rut rut rut”, hit the nerve of the times and reflected the happy social interaction. This tradition of exuberant celebration and the importance of music in Carnival are deeply rooted in Cologne culture.

Culture through the ages

Carnival and Shrovetide, as they are celebrated today, have their roots in ancient traditions that are part of human culture. Originally, the boisterous celebrations served as a way to consume perishable supplies before the 40-day Lent began. The term “Carnival” comes from Latin and could be related to “carne levale”, i.e. “time when the meat is gone”. Many cultures also display similar festive customs, often accompanied by music and masks to promote anonymity and equal treatment. These deeply rooted traditions are still kept alive today by people like Klaus Salzmann and the Herschberger Narrensänger.

With two children and five grandchildren, Klaus Salzmann can look back on a fulfilled life characterized by music, nature and a unique community. His family and friends, who equally appreciate his passion for life and culture, congratulate him on his 90th birthday. It's an occasion for celebration that can't leave anyone indifferent!