150 Years FFW Erlingshofen – Anniversary Festival

150 Years Freiwillige Feuerwehr Erlingshofen

The Erlingshofen Volunteer Fire Brigade (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Erlingshofen) is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026 – an impressive jubilee that will be extensively celebrated in the Franconian-Upper Bavarian border area in the market town of Kinding. The anniversary festival runs from Friday, June 26, starting at 6:00 PM, to Sunday, June 28, 2026, until approximately 9:00 PM at the Dorfstadl in Erlingshofen.

Three-Day Anniversary Program

The program follows the classic choreography of a Bavarian fire brigade anniversary:

• Friday, June 26, from 6:00 PM – Festival opening with beer tapping (Bieranstich) at the Dorfstadl, welcome address by the commander and mayor, catering and music in the festival tent in the evening.
• Saturday, June 27 – Gala evening with live music in the festival tent, catering by the brigade, meeting of friendly brigades from the Eichstätt district.
• Sunday, June 28 – Festive church service, morning pint (Frühschoppen) with a brass band, in the afternoon a grand procession (Festzug) with invited brigades and clubs through Erlingshofen, followed by the festival winding down at the Dorfstadl until approx. 9:00 PM.

Erlingshofen as a District of the Market Town of Kinding

Erlingshofen is a district of the market town of Kinding in the Eichstätt district (Bavaria). Kinding is located in the Altmühltal Nature Park on the Jura plateau between Eichstätt and Kelheim. The small villages in the region maintain a dense network of clubs, in which the volunteer fire brigades represent the central social pillar.

FFW Erlingshofen Since 1876

The Erlingshofen Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded in 1876, making it part of the pioneer generation of the Bavarian fire brigade movement. In the 19th century, volunteer fire brigades were established in numerous Bavarian villages, driven by civic spirit and the practical necessity of firefighting in villages largely built of wood. With 150 years, the FFW Erlingshofen is one of the oldest brigades in its region.

Eichstätt District Fire Brigade Association

The anniversary festival is co-coordinated by the Eichstätt District Fire Brigade Association (Kreisfeuerwehrverband Eichstätt). Friendly brigades from the district are invited and will participate in the procession on Sunday – a visible demonstration of the camaraderie of the Bavarian fire brigades.

Club Life as the Backbone of Village Life

Fire brigade anniversaries like the 150 years of FFW Erlingshofen are more than just club festivals. They are social highlights of the village year, recognition for volunteer work, fundraising occasions for new equipment, and intergenerational gatherings. In rural Bavaria, they are one of the most vibrant traditions.