Maifest

On the first of May we met up with some friends in our local town, Unterschleissheim, for the raising of the Maypole.  We cycled to where it was going to be raised and were fortunate enough to see the procession leave the fire station, where it was painted and guarded over night.  Traditionally other towns try to steal each other's Maypoles and the ransom is beer, so it must be guarded all night whilst, you guessed it, drinking beer.  

When they got the pole to the main platz they then had to spend a couple of hours getting it ready, putting on all of its adornments and then raising it.  The band played during this and afterwards there was lots of traditional dancing - around a smaller Maypole with ribbons, a children's group and Schuhplattler (where the men slap their thighs and shoes - my fave).  

It was then back to friends' for pancakes and, as a couple of them were Canadian, an afternoon of watching ice hockey.