Asselheim Wine Festival

Asselheim — Palatinate Wine Village with Festival Tradition

Asselheim has been a district of Grünstadt since 1969 but has retained its own village identity—and this is particularly evident in its festival tradition. The Asselheimer Weinkerwe is not just a small variation of the events in Grünstadt but an independent Palatinate folk festival (Volksfest) with its own character and tradition.

Five Days of Festivities

The festival lasts for five days, from Thursday to Monday. It traditionally opens on Thursday or Friday evening, with full operation over the weekend. Sunday brings the highlight with the festival parade and the wheelbarrow race, and Monday offers a relaxed conclusion.

Wheelbarrow Race and Festival Parade

Two customs particularly characterize the Asselheimer Weinkerwe: the festival parade on Sunday—a colorful procession with floats, traditional costumes, and festival traditions—and the famous wheelbarrow race. In the wheelbarrow race, teams compete with traditionally loaded wheelbarrows, in a mix of skill, slapstick, and Palatinate humor. These customs distinguish the Asselheim festival from many other village festivals in the Palatinate.

Wine and Open Courtyards

The Asselheim vintners open their courtyards and serve their current vintages. Visitors can sample wines from Asselheim vineyards at several serving points, along with Palatinate specialties at the club stands. The club stands—fire brigade, sports club, music club, and others—are the true backbone of the festival and ensure the typical Palatinate club atmosphere.