The Fishermen’s Joust at the Backfischfest

Public Amusement and Invocation of the Water Spirits

The conclusion of the Backfischfest on the fest’s last Sunday is marked by another mediaeval tradition, the fishermen’s joust. Several local clubs—all of them having to do with water in one or the other way—compete with each other in this old tournament, which in the past was not only an amusement for the public, but also aimed to earn the fishermen a good catch. When the yields were meagre, conducting the spectacle was thought to invoke the water spirits.

However, the fishermen’s joust is no longer held on the Rhine, but in the adjacent marina. Before the jolly competition starts, participants will rally—much as in the olden days—in the former fishermen’s quarter in Große Fischerweide to march to the Rhine together.

The tournament is traditionally opened at 2:30pm with the hilarious duel between the peasant and his wife. This jolly opening comedy is followed by the match among the jousting sides and the presentation of the challenge cup by the mayor of Worms.

A crew is usually made up of a jouster standing on a small platform mounted to the bow of the bark and trying to knock off his opponent with a 15-ft lance into the water, and two helmsmen. In addition to the athletic part of the game, the local aquatic sports clubs will also contribute special show presentations.

… Some History of the Fishermen’s Joust