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Atlas Obscura - Latest • Jan. 31, 2026, 9:15 p.m.
Garching Maypole in Garching bei München, Germany
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The Bavarian maypole is an age old tradition going back for centuries, originally erected as a symbol for all that grows and bears fruit but now is a symbol of wealth and pride for the community that sets it up. The tradition dates back to the 13th century and ever since each community tried to outdo the others by erecting the tallest and straightest maypole.
The associations that make them scout for the best trees weeks in advance, fell them and hide it away. The pole is then decorated with Bavarian colors and little signs on each side that denote what the community is proud of.
This can be monuments, certain shops and even things like a recent metro station. The poles get erected on the first of May during a large spring festival where the pole gets hoisted up by hand to proclaim the greatness of the location.
The associations that make them scout for the best trees weeks in advance, fell them and hide it away. The pole is then decorated with Bavarian colors and little signs on each side that denote what the community is proud of.
This can be monuments, certain shops and even things like a recent metro station. The poles get erected on the first of May during a large spring festival where the pole gets hoisted up by hand to proclaim the greatness of the location.
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