Hääschdner Kerwe Hauenstein

Hääschdner – Hauenstein Dialect

„Hääschdner“ is the Palatinate dialect form of „Hauensteiner“ – a classic example of the phonetic peculiarities of West Palatinate German, where the hard „st“ changes to „sch“ and the vowels have their own distinct coloring. The festival name itself signals: Palatinate culture is cherished here, from the dialect and catering to the customs.

Johann-Naab-Platz as Festival Backdrop

Johann-Naab-Platz is Hauenstein's central festival area, named after Johann Naab, a figure from local history. During the Kerwe, the square, with its festival tent, stage, catering stalls, and seating, becomes the stage for community life. For three days, it is the social heart of the town.

Open-Air Concert as Highlight

A special feature of the Hääschdner Kerwe is the open-air concert – usually on Saturday evening – where several regional bands play one after another. The spectrum ranges from cover bands and Palatinate dialect bands to rock and pop acts. Visitors to the Kerwe experience not only dancing and tradition but also a full-fledged festival concert under the open sky.

Kerwe Tradition: Parade and Kerweredd

Sunday features the traditional Kerwe program: Frühschoppen with brass music, lunch served by the clubs, a Kerwe parade through town, and the Kerweredd in the afternoon. The Kerweredd – the humorously satirical festival speech in Palatinate dialect – is a highlight for the locals, who use it to review the past year's events.

Hauenstein – The Shoemaking Town

For over a century, Hauenstein was one of the centers of the German shoe industry. The town's identity derives from this tradition: the German Shoe Museum in the town center keeps the history alive, and the 'Pfälzer Wandertag' (Palatinate Hiking Day) and numerous outdoor events make Hauenstein the gateway to the Wasgau and Dahner Felsenland. The Hääschdner Kerwe is part of this vibrant local culture.