Trachtenfest!

by Eugen Philips
Translated by Hans Martini (German to English)

Where the buttons on the vest shine bright
And polkas are danced with fervent delight
Where pleated skirts stretch east to west
There, good people, is a Trachtenfest

This magnificent gathering of families, girls and boys
Is surely a blessing for all to enjoy
Wearing the Tracht with passion and pride
Is an experience from which no one should hide

And though the Tracht is but clothing we adore
To our people it is so much more
For grandparents, parents, daughter and son,
It is a symbol of a culture whose songs we have sung

What we were and who we are
What we did and what we do
Where we go and where we don’t
The happiness we feel and the sadness we conceal

So when we see the children smile
Our thoughts return home for just a while
It is then we feel contented and glad
That our marvelous Trachts are still at hand

Please don’t let them disappear
For they are something we hold dear
This we ask of the Lord on High
That those who follow will comply

And may it be so years from now
Singing, dancing, we’ll still know how
So girls in dresses, boys in vests
Today we celebrate Trachtenfest!

[Published at DVHH.org 12 Nov 2007]
Submitted by Dennis Bauer Courtesy of www.trentondonauschwaben.com

Last updated: 11/02/2026