Etzenrichter Kirwa

A Kirwa with Two Weekends

The Etzenrichter Kirwa differs from most Franconian-Upper Palatinate Kirchweihen (church consecration festivals) due to its unusual length: instead of one weekend, celebrations last for two weekends in October. This has historical reasons – in the past, farmers wanted to celebrate in two stages after the harvest and slaughter festivals, rather than cramming everything into one weekend. Today, this has evolved into a unique, multi-part festival format.

Etzenricht – A Vibrant Upper Palatinate Village

Etzenricht is a municipality with around 2,500 inhabitants in the Neustadt an der Waldnaab district, in the northern Upper Palatinate, not far from Weiden. The community is characterized by its active club life – volunteer fire department, marksmen's club, sports club SV Etzenricht, and the Etzenrichter Kirwaleit e.V. as the custodian of the Kirwa tradition.

First Weekend – Prize Sheep's Head and Party

The event kicks off every year with the Preisschafkopf (prize sheep's head card game) on Friday in the heated festival tent – a competition of the classic Bavarian card game with a total prize money of €600. Starts at 8:00 PM, admission at 7:00 PM, entry fee €12.

Second Weekend – Climax and Dancing

The second weekend is the actual Kirwa weekend. On Saturday, bands like Grögötz Weißbir or similar folk music acts provide entertainment. The highlight is the Kirwa Sunday: lunch from 11:30 AM with Witts from Weiherhammer as the festival caterer (duck, roast pork, pork shoulder, schnitzel, and even vegan Thai curry for the younger generation); in the afternoon, the Kirwa Olympics with team disciplines – winners receive 60 liters of beer; and towards the evening, the traditional Austanzen des Kirwabaums (dancing of the Kirwa tree).

The Kirwa Olympics

The Kirwa Olympics are among the favorite traditions of the Etzenrichter Kirwa. Teams of young adults and families compete in skill-based disciplines – sawing contest, stein-holding, obstacle course, tug-of-war. The winning team receives 60 liters of beer as the grand prize – an incentive that ensures full participation every year.

Festival Tent Atmosphere

The heated tent on the SV Etzenricht sports grounds can accommodate several hundred guests. Long wooden benches, beer table sets, live music from the stage, catering from the sports club's restaurant – classic Upper Palatinate festival tent atmosphere, with the added bonus of a heated interior (important for October).

A Festival for the Northern Upper Palatinate

Visitors to the Etzenrichter Kirwa will find not a tourist event, but a genuine Upper Palatinate folk festival tradition with youthful energy. The Kirwaleit Etzenricht e.V. organizes the festival on a voluntary basis, and many young adults contribute to its success through their involvement.