Burgebracher Kerwa
Largest Kirchweih in the Bamberg district – nine days in October
About Burgebracher Kerwa
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The Largest Kerweih in the Bamberg District
The Burgebracher Kerwa is no ordinary Franconian Kirchweih – it is considered the largest Kirchweih in the Bamberg district and one of the most significant traditional events in the Upper Franconian Steigerwald. It traditionally takes place on the Sunday after Michaeli (September 29th); in 2026, this Sunday falls on October 4th, and the festival lasts approximately 9 days from Thursday, October 1st, to Friday, October 9th.
From 'Einschiessen' to 'Burial'
The Kerwa follows a fixed choreography practiced over generations. It begins on Thursday with the 'Einschiessen' at the Goldberg – a ritualistic opening where the start of the Kerwa is traditionally signaled with firecrackers or firearms. This is followed by the raising of the Kirchweih tree by the Kerwasburschen, a joint effort with long poles accompanied by brass music. The main weekend brings the full program: a festival tent, concerts, and on Sunday, the ceremonial Kirchweih procession with self-built themed floats satirizing the year's village events. A festive church service and fireworks in the evening complete the day.
Hahnenschlag, Gaßbockraustanzen, and Burial
On Monday, old customs take center stage: the Hahnenschlag – a symbolic game with a rooster made of wood or clay – and the Gaßbockraustanzen, a traditional dance with which the Kerwasburschen and -madla symbolically dance the billy goat out of the center of the festival. The conclusion on Friday is the 'Burial of the Kerwa': a humorous funeral ceremony that officially marks the end of the Kerwa after nine days.
Burgebrach in the Steigerwald
Burgebrach is a town with market rights in the Bamberg district, southwest of the cathedral city, located between the Steigerwald and Bambergerwald forests. The Kerwasburschen and Madla in Burgebrach are not just a festival committee but a year-round community that shapes village life through festivals, aid actions, and the preservation of customs. Although the original connection to the parish church's Kirchweih – from which the word Kerwa originates – has faded in general awareness, the Kerwa remains the most important date in the market town's annual calendar.
Burgebracher Kerwa — edition 2026
In 2026, the Burgebracher Kerwa will again adhere to its choreography practiced for decades. The festival Sunday – according to the rule 'Sunday after Michaeli' – falls on October 4th, 2026; the festival begins on Thursday, October 1st, and concludes on Friday, October 9th, with the humorous 'burial'.
As always, the organizers are the Kerwasburschen and Madla, who actively shape village life throughout the year. Their themed floats for the Sunday procession are a classic of Franconian folk culture: political and village satire crafted from cardboard and wood, rebuilt anew each year.
Programme Burgebracher Kerwa 2026
Thursday, October 1st, 2026 — Opening
- Einschiessen at the Goldberg — ritualistic opening of the Kerwa
- Followed by the raising of the Kirchweih tree by the Kerwasburschen
- Opening of the festival tent
Friday, October 2nd, 2026 — Festival Evening
- Festival tent with dance evening / band
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 — Main Festival Evening
- Festival tent with major concert / dance band
Sunday, October 4th, 2026 — Kerwa Sunday
- Morning: Festive church service in the parish church
- Morning pint in the festival tent
- Afternoon: Kirchweih procession with self-built themed floats by the Burschen and Madla, traditional costume groups, brass band
- Evening: Festival tent with dance evening
- Late evening: Fireworks over the Goldberg
Monday, October 5th, 2026 — Traditional Customs Day
- Hahnenschlag — traditional game with a symbolic rooster
- Gaßbockraustanzen — traditional dance of the Kerwasburschen and -madla
- Festival tent finale with family program
Tuesday to Thursday (October 6th–8th) — Festival Tent Finale
- Festival tent open, smaller program items for clubs
Friday, October 9th, 2026 — Burial
- 'Burial' of the Kerwa — humorous funeral ceremony that officially marks the end of the Kerwa
- Last dance and closing of the festival tent
Highlights Burgebracher Kerwa 2026
Prices Burgebracher Kerwa 2026
Practical information — Burgebracher Kerwa
Getting There
By car via the A3 (Schlüsselfeld exit) or A70 (Bamberg exit), then B22 or state roads to Burgebrach. Parking available on the outskirts; some town center roads are closed during the festival. Train connections via Bamberg main station, then bus.
Admission
Free admission to the festival grounds at the Goldberg and the Kerwa events in the town center. Consumption in the festival tent at Franconian inn prices; fireworks are freely accessible.
When to Arrive
Highlights include Thursday evening (Einschiessen), Saturday and Sunday evenings (festival tent with live bands), Sunday afternoon (Kirchweih procession and fireworks), and Monday (Hahnenschlag, Gaßbockraustanzen). The festival tent fills up quickly on weekends – arriving early is worthwhile.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Burgebracher Kerwa al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Burgebracher Kerwa
Goldberg / Marktplatz Burgebrach
Goldberg und Marktplatz Burgebrach, 96138 Burgebrach