In 1853, the first Saengerfest was held in New Braunfels.  The New Braunfels Germania singing society invited similar groups from Austin, San Antonio and Sisterdale.  Each group performed a cappella.  The groups joined together to sing works by Mendelssohn and Marschen.  Hermann Seele a committee member for the first Saengerfest later built the Seele Sangerhalle where the festival was held for many years.  A modern version – the Wein & Saengerfest – continues today in downtown New Braunfels.