The Harvest Festival, known as Erntedankfest, is observed in Germany on every first Sunday of October. This celebration focuses on giving thanks to God for the harvest gifts and has its origins in pre-Christian times. Although the festival was traditionally held on various dates across different regions, the German Bishop's Conference officially recommended the first Sunday of October in 1972. Typical customs include fairs, processions, parades, church services, music, and dance, along with the tradition of selecting a harvest queen who is presented with a harvest crown. While the festival has incorporated some American Thanksgiving customs, such as the popularity of roast turkey, it remains primarily celebrated in rural areas and is not recognized as a national holiday. Celebrations in large cities are often sponsored by Catholic and Protestant churches.