Bärenkerwa Bindlach

A Kerwa Institution in the Bayreuth Region

The Bindlacher Bärenkerwa is one of the most traditional and original Kirchweihen (church festivals) in the Bayreuth district, state of Bavaria. Since 1928, the 'Bear' has paraded through Bindlach every year on the first weekend of August – a Bindlach resident covered in a shaggy fur costume, traditionally led through the village by a 'driver'. The organizer is the specially founded Bärenkerwaverein e.V., and the venue is the TSV Bindlach sports grounds.

The Bear Parade on Sunday

The undisputed highlight of the Kerwa is the Bear Parade on Sunday. In the morning and afternoon, the bear and his driver march through the streets of Bindlach, escorted by a brass band and all the sports departments of TSV. The procession stops in front of each pub, where the bear is 'fed' and 'watered' – usually with a hearty schnapps that quickly lifts the spirits of the companions. The procession ends at the sports grounds with Kerwa beer, homemade sausages, cake, and live music.

Multi-Day Festival Weekend

Starting Wednesday, Kerwa delicacies – Schäuferla (pork shoulder), Saure Zipfel (sour sausages), and other Franconian specialties – are offered at the TSV Bindlach sports restaurant. On Saturday evening, the festival tent, beer garden, and wine bar open; a local band (most recently Grabrolle & Goller) provides the atmosphere. Festival Monday is crowned by the traditional suckling pig meal ('Sau am Spieß' – pig on a spit) as a cozy conclusion.

Tradition with a Wink

Playing the bear is both an honor and a hardship in the village: parading for hours in the thick fur costume through Bindlach in midsummer is physically demanding. Local newspapers dedicate a separate report to the respective bear each year. The tradition thrives on the combination of village mischief, club spirit, and local pride.

• Oldest Bärenkerwa in Upper Franconia (since 1928)
• Bear Parade through Bindlach on Sunday
• Festival tent, beer garden, and wine bar of the Bärenkerwaverein
• Kerwa delicacies at the TSV sports restaurant
• Suckling pig meal on Festival Monday