As it was handed down, the beer was then poured on one's bench and the tester had to sit down on the spot in his traditional leather pants. If he stuck to his bench, the beer was supposedly strong enough. Today this tradition is only history. Now the showmen don't have to wait until Sunday with the opening of their rides and attractions, but they can do so on Thursday.
The only thing that still makes Thursday a special day is the broaching ceremony carried out by the Lord Mayor of the city of Erlangen in one of the annually changing Keller (taverns). Of course we must not forget the 'funeral celebration' which is celebrated on the final day with a parade of mourners who cry and wave their handkerchiefs when accompanying a historic beer barrel that is finally buried.