Altriper Kerwe

The Altriper Kerwe is the traditional Kirchweihfest (church consecration festival) of the Roman settlement community of Altrip and complements the Kerwen in Neuhofen, Otterstadt, and Waldsee in the festival calendar of the Verbandsgemeinde Rheinauen. With its date on the third weekend in September, it marks the transition from late summer to autumn.

Partnerschaftsplatz at Maxstraße

The venue is the Partnerschaftsplatz at Maxstraße in the center of Altrip. The square commemorates Altrip's partnerships with other communities and becomes the festival grounds with a stage, festival tent, and club stands.

Palatinate Kerwe Tradition

The Altriper Kerwe preserves the classic Palatinate Kirchweih tradition:

• Festival opening on Friday evening with tapping of the first keg and welcome by the local mayor.
• Kerwebaum Aufstellen (raising of the Kerwe tree) on Saturday – a tall, decorated tree symbolizing the Kerwe is erected on the Partnerschaftsplatz.
• Kerwe parade with Kerweborscht (Kerwe master of ceremonies), clubs, music bands, and festively decorated floats.
• Kerwerede / Kerwepredigt (Kerwe speech) in Palatinate dialect with a humorous review of the year's events in Altrip.
• Festival service on Sunday morning.
• Frühschoppen (morning pint) with brass music and Palatinate lunch.
• Dancing and live music in the evenings.

Specialty: Schweinepfeffer

A local specialty of the Altriper Kerwe is Schweinepfeffer – a hearty Palatinate meat dish made from pork, braised in a spicy, dark sauce and traditionally served with dumplings or Spätzle. Schweinepfeffer is one of the typical Palatinate home-style cooking specialties and makes the Altriper Kerwe a special culinary experience.

Altrip on the Rhine

Altrip is located directly on the Rhine, opposite Mannheim, and is connected by the Altrip-Mannheim Rhine ferry. The community dates back to the Roman fortress "Alta Ripa" ("High Bank") and is thus one of the oldest settlements on the Rhine. This historical depth shapes the identity of the community and its festival culture.