It's that time of year again on the first weekend in August: the 26th gemstone cutters' and goldsmiths' market with street theater will take place in Oberstein's pedestrian zone. On 3 and 4 August 2024, around 50 exhibitors from the gemstone and jewelry industry will present their handicrafts, while eight national and international street theater formations will transform the city center into an exciting world of cabaret. The event will be complemented by an open Sunday in the Oberstein district.
The organizers have now presented the program for this year's combined event on the premises of Kreissparkasse Birkenfeld. KSK Director Torsten Rothfuchs welcomed the guests and emphasized: "We are proud and pleased that we have been able to accompany this event for 26 years now." He also personally likes the event very much and says it offers a varied program for both locals and guests, some of whom travel from far away.
Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf also pointed out that the market and street theater complement each other perfectly. "This great combination encourages many people to visit Idar-Oberstein." The mayor thanked the sponsors for their support. In addition to the Kreissparkasse, these are the OIE, the Bürkle Foundation, Globus Idar-Oberstein and the Ministry for Family, Women, Culture and Integration.
An Eldorado for gemstone and jewelry fans
Since last year, the gemstone cutters' and goldsmiths' market has been organized by the Idar-Oberstein Jewellery Culture Association, which is now also a registered association. The chairman of the association, Frederik Grüneberg, and his deputy, Andreas Sohne, presented this year's market. There will be around 50 exhibitors, almost all of whom will be presenting demonstrations of their craftsmanship at their stands. Visitors will therefore once again have the opportunity to experience the various trades - such as goldsmiths and silversmiths, diamond and gemstone cutters, engravers and jewelry designers - live and, of course, to purchase the fascinating products. "This event shows Idar-Oberstein from its most beautiful side," emphasized Frederik Grüneberg. Andrea Sohne, in turn, reported that following the decline in exhibitor numbers due to the coronavirus pandemic, there is now once again a waiting list for new stand operators. "I am particularly pleased that the trainees in the gemstone processing professions have their own stand at the market this year."
Circus acrobatics, wacky rodents and stilt parade
Annette Strohm, Head of Cultural Affairs, pointed out that the market and the city's street theater festival are mutually beneficial, "this duality encourages people to stay in Idar-Oberstein for a long time." The main street theater activity takes place on the OIE stage on Christuskirchplatz. From exceptional jugglers from the duo Cie. Wilson, Sing!, to circus acrobatics with live music from the group ConTakt and the street theater band SopaLoca, which is based on South American and tropical music, there is something for everyone. Joe Dieffenbacher alias Nakupelle transforms the everyday into a playground full of imaginative and absurd fun. There will also be daring bicycle acrobatics by Fleuriane Cornet.
Other walk acts delight passers-by along the pedestrian zone. A wacky rat gang conquers the world beyond the sewers. As a gaudy rodent combo, the PasParTouT theater plays music ranging from ratty to spicy. Teatro Due Mondi presents an Italian street theater parade on stilts with imaginative costumes and traditional Italian songs. Pere Hosta, on the other hand, creates funny, surreal and witty moments with a real door.
Times and info
The stalls at the gem-cutting and goldsmith market are open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The street theater takes place from 1 p.m. on both days. The stores are open on Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Admission to the market and the festival is free, but those who wish can support the performances of the street theater artists with a hat money. Further information, including a map of the exhibitors and the schedule of performances, can be found at schmuck-kultur.com.