Brenham in Washington County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Brenham Maifest
Photographed by James Hulse, January 19, 2021
1. The Brenham Maifest Marker
The Brenham Maifest has evolved from the German Volksfest, a spring festival carried to this area by German Texans who settled near Brenham. When the Brenham Fire Department assumed the duties of the Volksfest Association in 1880, the exclusively German celebration was opened to the public, and the name Maifest was adopted. With the exception of three years during World War I, the fire department organized the annual festival from 1880 until 1942. Discontinued During World War II, Maifest was revived in 1948, and by 1951 the Maifest Association was established, with proceeds from the festivities designated for the young people of Brenham.
Maifest activities begin in February with a serenade and presentation of the Maifest Queens and Kings. Later, on a May weekend, the Maifest Royalties, selected for outstanding leadership from among the city's young people, are formally crowned in Fireman's Park. The weekend includes dances, parades, and a Maifestival with food, games, and demonstrations.
Many of the early German traditions are still visible in the annual Brenham Maifest. This cultural continuity, practiced for more than 100 years, provides an important historical link to a rich heritage.
Erected 1983 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8308.)
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Location. 30° 10.014′ N, 96° 23.871′ W. Marker is in Brenham, Texas, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of East Alamo Street and South Park Street, on the left when traveling east on East Alamo Street. The marker is located on the backside of the Washington County Courthouse next to the gazebo. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brenham TX 77833, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Texas Confederate County Commissioners Court (a few steps from this marker); Former Bank Building of Giddings & Giddings (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County, C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County All Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Schmid Bros. Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bassett and Bassett Banking House (about 500 feet away); KTTX/KWHI Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brenham.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is the other Brenham Maifest marker.
Photographed by James Hulse, January 19, 2021
2. The view of the Brenham Maifest Marker and gazebo
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
