Fürth Michaelis-Kirchweih

The "Fifth Season" in Fürth

The Fürth Michaelis-Kirchweih – affectionately called "Kärwa" by locals – is one of the oldest and largest Kirchweihen (church consecration festivals) in Franconia and the largest street festival in Southern Germany. In the independent city of Fürth in Middle Franconia, it is considered the "fifth season" and the "Queen of Franconian Kirchweihen". It is organized by the City of Fürth's market office; it is recognized as Bavarian intangible cultural heritage.

Twelve Days of Festival on the Street

For twelve days, the Kirchweih extends over approximately 42,000 m² of festival area with about 2,700 meters of frontage right in the city center. 254 exhibitors – including seven large amusement rides, a Ferris wheel, a dodgem car ride, ten children's rides, as well as numerous food, game, and merchandise stalls – shape the scene. A special feature: there are no beer tents. The Kärwa thrives on the hustle and bustle in the streets and squares, not on tent catering.

The Harvest Thanksgiving Parade

The highlight of the Michaelis-Kirchweih is the Harvest Thanksgiving parade on the second Sunday of the Kärwa. It is one of Bavaria's most popular traditional events, parading through the city with festively decorated floats, traditional costume and music groups, and is broadcast live on television. Other traditions include the drawing of the marriage lottery and the "Betzn-Tanz" (a traditional dance).

1.5 Million Visitors

Every year, the Kärwa attracts around 1.5 million visitors, making Fürth the social center of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region for almost two weeks. With its history, size, and the famous Harvest Thanksgiving parade, the Michaelis-Kirchweih is one of Franconia's most important Volksfeste.