Prior to the founding of the May Festival, the greatest singing events in the city were the German singing festivals. Begun by choirs known as Sängerbunds in 1849, these choral events drew thousands of singers to the city of Cincinnati. Almost 100 years since its founding, enthusiasm for the festival eventually died down due to the increased popularity of the May Festival and the event ceased to be held as of the 1950s. After the success of the World Choir Games in 2012, Sängerfest was revived that same year, perpetuating the tradition and reaffirming Cincinnati's well deserved title of "The City that Sings."