- Why Opt for Becoming a Mosquito Queen, a Mermaid, or a Moorish Royalty
In the state of Thuringia, the count is endless for lilac or roses, sausage or jam, hops or porcelain - various monarchs, queens, princes, and princesses reign over these domains. The Ministry of Agriculture and Thuringian Tourism GmbH don't hold a recent and detailed tally, as shared by David Kehrberg, their spokesperson. Nonetheless, these titles maintain their significance; according to Kehrberg, they give the region its unique identity.
The confusion arises when some positions are temporarily or permanently vacant due to various reasons. For instance, the current Thuringian Potato Princess can't engage in duties due to her pregnancy, as confirmed by the spokesperson of Heichelheimer Potato Promotion Association. The throne likely stays vacant the following year, with her three kids handling essential duties in her absence. As a result, the number of royals can only be roughly estimated; yet, more than 50 representative positions currently exist in the state.
There's no fixed tenure or regular appearance norms. For example, the Dornburger Rose Queen is selected annually, while the Oberweißbacher Bergbahn Queen has held her title for several years.
Most royal titles focus on regional products - potatoes, flowers, salt, pickles, milk, wine, sausages, hops, cherries, strawberries, and blueberries. However, occasionally, remote areas or special facilities gain attention as well - like the Bleiloch-Hohenwarte reservoir region, home to the "Thuringian Mermaid," or the Bad Lobenstein moor bath with the Moor Prince. Sometimes, royalty also serves as commercial tradition ambassadors, like the Schmöllner Knopfprinzessin or Ichtershausen's Needle Princess.
According to ministry spokesperson Kehrberg, these product majesties remain popular marketing instruments to boost regional products' image, awareness, and sales. Apart from promoting local products, royals also inspire people to appreciate and learn about regional traditions. It is a cost-effective and authentic marketing solution for associations and companies, he adds.
Tourism-wise, the majesties serve as significant representatives, states Theresa Wolff of Thuringian Tourism GmbH. They flaunt their regal position on both national and international travel fairs, playing an essential role in tourism promotions. Additionally, these monarchs and their royal kin contribute to bonding the local community and enhancing guests' experiences.
Individuals who accept such honorary positions should anticipate a time commitment, from 10 to 50 annual appearances. The number of appearances for the Rose Queen relies on her personal circumstances and dedication, as explained by Katja Sammer from the Dornburger Rosenfest Association. Typically, Rose Queens are aged 16 to 18, necessitating their parents to invest time and opportunities in accompanying them to celebrations. Despite this, the pool of applicants often remains substantial.
"Product majesties continue to be an effective marketing tool for promoting local products," says Kehrberg, adding that they engage people in regional products' significance, production, and culture. The titles serve as an affordable and authentic method of marketing for associations and businesses.
As a tourism asset, the majesties have a considerable influence in promoting and representing their region or even entire states at national or international fairs, as suggested by Wolff. Additionally, they play a crucial part in fortifying the regional connection between locals and enriching the guests' experiences.
Astonishingly, the responsibility beneath the position necessitates an immeasurable commitment and time investment. These honorary titles can also bring significant personal growth, shares Katja Sammer. "The queens are transformed from timid girls to confident and open-minded young women within a year," she adds. However, even older majesties can benefit from the opportunity to build new connections.
The absence of a reigning Thuringian Potato Princess highlights the fact that some royal titles may have temporary or permanent vacancies. In the realm of marketing, these product majesties often hold positions of 'Other' importance, such as the Thuringian Mermaid or Ichtershausen's Needle Princess, that promote regional products of various dimensions, including those of a width of less than 30 cm like pickles or berries.
