Carumer Kirmes

Carum in the Heart of Bakum

Carum is a district of the municipality of Bakum in the Vechta district and is located in the Oldenburger Münsterland. Like many villages in the region, Carum is strongly Catholic, and the St. Johannes der Täufer parish church is also the spatial center of the village. The Carumer Kirmes takes place every year on St. Johannes Platz in front of the church.

Carumer Kulturverein as Organizer

The festival is organized by the Carumer Kulturverein (Carum Cultural Association), which shapes the cultural and social life of the district throughout the year. With the Kirmes, the association sets an annual highlight: setup, program design, festival tent operation, and security are organized voluntarily by club members. The proceeds flow into the association's work and the maintenance of the village infrastructure.

Free Beer Opening as a Festival Tradition

One of the oldest and most popular rituals of the Carumer Kirmes is the free beer opening to kick off the event on Friday afternoon. With a keg tapping ceremony on St. Johannes Platz, the festival weekend is officially rung in, and the village community gathers for a round of free beer. Afterward, the showmen take over, and the Kirmes begins with carousels, food stalls, and musical accompaniment.

Festival Days with a Program

Over the three festival days, a program for all generations alternates: children's carousel and games during the day, live music and dance evenings in the festival tent in the evening, a Frühschoppen (morning pint) on Sunday with the music club, plus food stands with classic Volksfest (folk festival) cuisine. The family-oriented nature of the Kirmes has always been its trademark.