At the Hof University of Applied Sciences’ MakerSpace, work is currently underway on a very special and distinctly regional project: creating the signs for the Hof “Schlappentag” parade. Under the direction of René Göhring, head of the university’s MakerSpace, wooden signs are being created here to organize and highlight the traditional parade on June 1, 2026 (starting at 10 a.m. from Hof City Hall)—where modern manufacturing technology meets living tradition.
“It’s simply wonderful to see how we can use our technical capabilities to support a centuries-old tradition,” explains René Göhring.
“The signs aren’t just wayfinding markers in the parade; later, at the beer benches, they also serve as a symbol of identity for the participating groups.”
René Göhring, Head of MakerSpace
Since 2024, a total of 25 such signs have already been delivered to the organizers. In the parade, they announce, for example, the city council, the new Schlappenkönig, the Gauschützen, and other participants. The wooden signs provided were engraved using a CO² laser.
The parade for Hof’s Schlappentag, traditionally held on a Monday, draws many visitors to the route—the signs from Hof University announce the participating groups; Photo: Frank Wunderatsch;
Schlappentag – “Hof’s National Holiday”
Schlappentag is considered the most important tradition in Hof and is often referred to as “Hof’s National Holiday” for good reason. Its origins date back to 1432: Following a raid on the city by the Hussites, Margrave Frederick V of Brandenburg-Ansbach-Kulmbach required the craftsmen of Hof to hold an annual shooting competition to ensure their defensive capabilities. Since many participants at the time hurried to the shooting range wearing wooden clogs—the so-called “Schlappen”—the name of the festival was born.
To this day, this tradition is upheld with a shooting competition among 100 invited dignitaries for the title of “Schlappenkönig,” a craftsmen’s parade, and a convivial gathering featuring strong beer brewed especially for the occasion.
The “Schlappenkönig” – a special title
A central figure of the festival is the Hof Schlappen King. This title is awarded to whoever fires the best shot during the traditional shooting competition. He represents the Schlappentag tradition for one year and is an important symbolic figure of Schlappentag.
Rainer Krauß, Head of University Communications and Spokesperson for Hof University of Applied Sciences, will hold this honorary position until the next Schlappentag on June 1:
“Hof’s Schlappentag combines history, community, and a piece of Hof’s identity. The fact that the university is very happy to actively participate in projects like the signs shows how closely we are connected to the region, despite all the globalization.”
Rainer Krauß,
Spokesperson for Hof University of Applied Sciences and currently serving “Hofer Schlappenkönig”
And he continues: “The signs lettered in the MakerSpace make a small visual contribution to ensuring that the parade will once again be a highlight of Hof’s event calendar this year.”
