The "Schaffermahlzeit"
Every year on the second Friday of February in the upper banqueting hall in Bremen's town hall, the Schaffermahlzeit1 takes place. It has been a traditional fraternity dinner for ships' captains, ship owners, and merchants since 1545.
Originally the feast, organized by the merchants and shipowners, served as a farewell dinner for the captains sailing in springtime. It was an opportunity to discuss all topics concerning shipping, politics, trade, and industry. Over the years the Schaffermahlzeit developed into a social event where ship's captains, merchants, and their guests and out-of-town business partners were invited. However, it does serve as the focal point for a charity that supports retired and poor seamen and their widows. It is indeed a very traditional event and very few changes have ever taken place.
The Schaffermahlzeit has about 300 participants; there are 100 commercial members who did their duty as “Schaffer” before (explained below), 100 nautical members, and about 100 external guests. An external guest, however, can only participate once in his lifetime. Each year, one guest of honour is invited - usually a public figure who is supposed to make a speech on Germany and Bremen. Guests of Honour have included the German Federal President, the German Chancellor, the German Foreign Minister, Minister Presidents of neighbouring Federal states in Germany, as well as a couple of foreign politicians.
The meal is organised by three elected 'Schaffer', who not only have to organise the event, but also have to pay for the complete event all by themselves. So, while it is considered a great honour to be elected as a Schaffer, the Gentlemen being elected usually have to provide the financial background to fulfill this job. After having done this they have to be invited for their lifetime combined with the right to propose one external guest every year.
Being a traditional meal, it is not surprising that the courses are also highly regulated. The whole meal was still reflects the festive order of menu of bygone centuries although it has been adjusted to modern standards of living during the last decades.
Courses in Order
Etiquette