Matjes Celebration Aboard Heritage Ships in Emden: Honoring Fishery Traditions and Delighting in Fish Delicacies - Emden honors Matjes Festival: An event showcasing fish and traditional vessels
Matjes Days in Emden Celebrate Herring Tradition
Emden, Ostfriesland will host the popular Matjes Days festival during the upcoming Ascension weekend. This major North German event is expected to attract up to 180,000 visitors, as confirmed by Frank Nowak, spokesperson for Emden Matjes Days working group.
Matjes, or young, salted, and cured herring, is a renowned fish delicacy that was once a staple food in the region. The Matjes Days festival is a tribute to this rich heritage.
This year, the focus is on culinary delights, according to Nowak. In addition to the traditional Emden herring grill, a new "Matjes diele" will be introduced. This novel eatery offers Matjes salads in various recipes, served on fine potato strips.
The festival anchors in Emden's tradition of Ostfriesland's herring fishery, which once brought prosperity to the region. Although the fishery was moved to Bremerhaven in 1969, the festival and associated maritime culture are deeply ingrained in the region. Many families in Emden have a history of working as fishermen, coopers, or net menders.
Authenticity is preserved through the presence of traditional ships, with around two dozen expected to dock at the Delft. The event will also feature nearly 40 shanty choirs from North Germany and the Netherlands, strengthening German-Dutch connections.
The choice of the Matjes served at the festival is a meticulous process. After tasting various batches with 50 test eaters, the Matjes for the festival comes from cold, northern Norwegian waters. The fish are then processed in Emden.
As tradition dictates, the festival's opening ceremony involves the Mayor of Emden, who might ride in a traditional ship while tasting the Matjes. If the mayor approves of the taste, a ship's bell is rung, marking the start of the festivities.
Matjes, a type of pickled herring popular in North Sea coastal regions, is recognized for its mild flavor and is often served as a snack or appetizer. It has a long history in European cuisine, particularly in regions with abundant herring populations.
Community aid could be provided to fishing families in Emden during the Matjes Days festival, offering vocational training opportunities in fishing, processing, or catering, thereby preserving the region's heritage and fostering a sustainable lifestyle.
After the Matjes Days festival, cultural-travel tourists might explore local food-and-drink establishments, learning about traditional herring recipes, and even taking a cooking class, or embarking on a travel itinerary that includes visits to landmarks significant to the maritime and herring industry, thereby enriching their understanding of the region's history and adding a unique twist to their travel experience.
