Geröder Kirchweih

A Kirchweih with Roots in Franconian Tradition

The Geröder Kirchweih, also called "Kerm" or "Kirmes" in the Franconian dialect, is one of the most traditional festivals in the district of Bad Kissingen. It is celebrated every year on the third weekend of October and brings the whole village together around the parish church, the festival hall, and the town center.

The Kirmesgesellschaft Geroda-Platz e.V.

The carrier and guardian of tradition is the Kirmesgesellschaft Geroda-Platz e.V. The young men and Madli (girls) prepare the festival for weeks: festive attire is arranged, dances are rehearsed, the procession is planned. The Kirmesgesellschaft thus ensures the continuation of a tradition that is becoming increasingly rare in many villages in Franconia.

The Kirmes Tree from the Schwarze Berge

The highlight of the preparations is fetching the Kirmes tree on Kirmes Saturday: the young men go into the forest of the Bavarian Rhön Nature Park or the Schwarze Berge, fell a stately fir tree, and bring it to the village with musical accompaniment. There it is decorated and solemnly erected.

Traditional Costume Dances and Church Procession

Kirmes Sunday begins with a festive church service, followed by the procession in traditional costume and the traditional "Plantänze" (round dances) around the Kirmes tree. The rhythmic dances, accompanied by a brass band and accordion, are the musical heart of the festival.

Geroda and the Rhön

Geroda is located in the district of Bad Kissingen in the administrative region of Lower Franconia, on the border with the Bavarian Rhön. The Schwarze Berge nature reserve forms the scenic backdrop for the festival. The community, with around 700 inhabitants, lives its tradition with great commitment and looks forward to guests from the entire region every year.