DThe Grosser Deutsche Zapfenstreich (litterally translated Tatoo or Grand Taps) is a military cerimony still performed throughout Germany and Austria to this day. It is the most important cerimonial act of the German Federal Forces (Bundeswehr). It is performed only on special occations such as for distinguished persons, in solemn public cerimonies, & at the conclusion of large military exercises. It takes place in the evening hours & consists of a military formation including at least one military band, two platoons of armed infantrymen, & two lines of soldiers carrying torches to light the way, as the way it was done over 500 years ago.
While the Grosser Deutsche Zapfenstreich has been performed sine the 1500's, the current rendition has been unchanged since 1922, even during the period of the Third Reich.
Kampfgruppe Sonnenwende is the first reeactment unit to succesfully perform this complicated tradition here in the United States!! It is our intention to practice and perform this cerimony at future events at least anually. It is our hope that other units will join us in celebrating this cerimony and help educate the hobby in this aspect of German Military tradition!
