Colorfully decorated horse teams have once again attracted thousands of onlookers to the Berching Rossmarkt. In cool, gray weather, horse owners proudly showed off their animals. Agriculture Minister Michaela Kaniber (CSU) visited the traditional winter festival in the Neumarkt district in Upper Palatinate and gave a political speech. The rallies also have a tradition at the Berchinger Rossmarkt.
Showmen and traders offer their goods and services at the market. However, horses are no longer sold these days, they are simply decorated and presented. In addition to Kaniber, Finance Minister Albert Füracker (CSU) and Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) also watched the spectacle.
The event dates back to a decree from 1722 that required horse owners to present their animals for health examinations. This was intended to prevent epidemics. A similar regulation had existed in Berching since 1678. From 1926 onwards a horse and foal market took place. In the 1960s the event finally changed from a horse market to a horse show.