In northern Germany, the island of Borkum has celebrated a strange tradition for centuries—an event known as the Klaasohm Festival. Each year, men dress in bizarre costumes and roam the island, looking for women to hit with cow horns. Though this may seem unusual, it has been a part of the island’s culture for generations. Recently, however, the tradition has come under scrutiny and is now facing the possibility of being banned.
What Is the Klaasohm Festival?
The term “Klaasohm” comes from “Klaas,” a variant of Nicholas, referring to the figure of Saint Nicholas, the original inspiration for Santa Claus. On Borkum, the festival evolved in a unique way. It starts on the afternoon of December 5th with a loud blast of cow horns, signaling the beginning of the game.
Each year, six men are secretly chosen as the “Klaasohms.” These men dress in elaborate costumes and wear large mythic helmets, which are adorned with gull feathers and cow horns. They are chosen by the island’s youth association, with their ages ranging from 14 to over 18. These men represent different levels of the festival, and they prepare for the day in secret. 
A Dangerous and Painful Tradition
As the festival begins, the Klaasohms start their hunt for women. Their visibility is limited by their helmets, so they are assisted by helpers. Women, upon hearing the horn, must crouch and hold their legs tightly. If they don’t act fast enough, the assistants capture them. Once caught, the women are held down while the Klaasohms strike them with cow horns. While painful, this act is a crucial part of the festival. The women receive a honey cake, called a “Moppe,” as a reward for enduring the pain.
Women’s Complicated Relationship with the Festival
Many women continue to participate, but some are uncomfortable with it. For some, the experience feels humiliating. Others recall traumatic events, such as being dragged into cars by local boys. Women are taught from a young age that this festival is an exciting and important part of the community’s identity. However, those who express discomfort are often criticized for not respecting the tradition.
Growing Criticism
Over the years, the Klaasohm Festival has faced criticism. In 1987, German media attempted to film the event but were blocked by locals. It wasn’t until November this year that undercover footage emerged. The media backlash was swift, with many condemning the ritual as cruel and outdated.
Despite the criticisms, local authorities had defended the festival in the past. The police and mayor of Borkum declined interviews, but the mayor did issue a statement supporting the tradition as a local custom. However, once the video went viral, the community reversed its stance. The practice of hitting women with cow horns was officially condemned, and the tradition is now being abandoned.
The End of an Era
The Klaasohm Festival had been celebrated for hundreds of years, with only brief interruptions due to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the community has decided to end the practice, marking the end of a controversial chapter in their history.
