On an imaginative September day I found myself wandering around the town of Borsdorf in Saxony looking for something to do. Then, lo & behold, the town started to come alive with construction, horses, and men dressed in odd-looking clothing.
What was going on here? Did I step through some weird cosmos portal or something?
No, it was the Parthenfest that’s held every year. It’s a festival filed with horses, parades, lots of music, magic shows, and battle reenactments. It all ends with a wonderful fireworks display; and kept me busy all day long.
Boy, was I tired afterwards. And no, it wasn’t all the beer I managed to suck down all day. ;-)
Good thing I stayed the night because I still had a few things left to see that had to be put off while I partied the day away.
I would suggest not going to see Church Panitzsch smelling like yesterday’s beer — so clean up a bit, will you. ;-)
This is a striking 13th century church with Baroque accents (built over an older 11th century church) overlooking the entire town. Make sure you see the Romanesque baptismal font.
Borsdorf’s Zweenfurther Kirche (rebuilt 1844 after a fire) is another marvelous church that shouldn’t be missed.
I also like Borsdorf’s Rathaus. If I had to work inside an office all day I sure wouldn’t mind doing it in this impressive edifice, that’s for sure. It’s also a perfect venue for the art exhibits that are staged here.
Oh, to go back to Borsdorf’s festivals again for a moment… Well, not quite a festival — there’s a cycle tour held in May, that’s not only good for you, but it’s loads of fun as well.
For Christmas fun there’s the obligatory Christmas Market at the end of November; and plenty of New Years events to ring in the next year with style.
But, I think the outfits from the Parthenfest have some fantastic style, too.