Cadolzburg Kirchweih

A Franconian Kärwa with Living Traditions

The Cadolzburg Kirchweih (in Franconian dialect: "Cadolzburger Kärwa") is one of the most traditional Kirchweihen in Middle Franconia. Cadolzburg is a historic market town in the district of Fürth (Bavaria), known for its castle, which as a former seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty is one of the most important sites in Franconia. The Kirchweih is celebrated in the second week after Pentecost — in 2026, it falls on the weekend of June 5th to 8th.

Kärwabaum, Betzentanz, and Friedgebot

The traditional program of a Franconian Kärwa follows a set choreography. On Kärwafreitag (Kirchweih Friday), the Kärwabaum (Kirchweih tree) is erected — a tall, decorated fir tree that marks the festival grounds. The Kärwaboum (young men in Franconian traditional costume) and Kärwamoidla (young women in traditional costume) perform the Betzentanz — a traditional couple dance with symbolic meaning. The Friedgebot is a proclamation by the Kärwaobermann (head of the Kirchweih youth), reminding the festival participants of the obligations of tradition. On Kärwamontag (Kirchweih Monday), the Bärenausjagen (bear chasing) takes place — a humorous custom that marks the end of the festival week.

The Brühtrogrennen — A Unique Cadolzburg Custom

A special feature that distinguishes Cadolzburg from all other Franconian Kirchweihen is the Brühtrogrennen (trough race) on the market pond. Brühtroge are old wooden tubs from agricultural life, once used to scald pigs for slaughter. In Cadolzburg, they now serve as racing boats: teams of two or more people sit in the troughs and try to complete a course on the pond — often with spectacular capsizes and much laughter. The Brühtrogrennen is a crowd-puller and a symbol of identity for the Cadolzburg Kärwa.

Six Kirchweihen in the Market Area

The main Kirchweih in Cadolzburg-Markt is not the only Kärwa in the market municipality. Cadolzburg includes the district Kirchweihen in Wachendorf (May 29–June 1), Steinbach (June 12–15), and Egersdorf (June 19–22, 2026). Each district Kärwa has its own traditions and its own festival host. Anyone who fancies a Kirchweih marathon can experience a Cadolzburg Kärwa almost every week from Pentecost until the end of June.

Atmosphere and Significance

The Cadolzburg Kärwa is not a tourist spectacle, but living tradition. It is upheld by the Kärwagesellschaften (Kirchweih societies) and the Kärwaverein (Kirchweih association), who pass on the customs from generation to generation. The Cadolzburg Castle as a historic backdrop, the Franconian inns on the market square, and the festival meadow on the outskirts of town form the venues. With the opening of the castle's interactive exhibition in 2017, the Kärwa has gained additional tourist visibility — but the substance of the tradition remains unchanged and local.