Hammelskerb Güdesweiler
Over 270-year-old village fair with white shirt and red top hat
About Hammelskerb
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A Village Fair with its Own Costume
Anyone strolling through the tranquil Güdesweiler in the St. Wendel district at the end of July will immediately notice a group of young men parading through the streets in white shirts, embroidered ram's heads, and red top hats. These are the Hämmel, and they are the masters of the festival. They have been organizing the local Kirmes (fair) since around 1750, making Güdesweiler home to one of the most traditional Hammelskerb celebrations in Saarland.
History and Tradition
Every adult male from Güdesweiler has the chance to serve as a "Hammel" once in his life. In 1995, the tradition nearly came to an end for the first time in centuries as no cohort was found. 31 men quickly joined forces, founded the IG Hämmel e.V. (Hämmel Interest Group) in 1996, and thus secured its continuation. Since then, the association has carried on the legacy together with the Dorfverein Güdesweiler e.V. (Village Association Güdesweiler), which has been operating the large festival tent for several years.
The Kirmesrede — Heart of the Festival
On Sunday afternoon, the Hammelskerb reaches its climax: After a solemn church service, during which the marksmen form an honour guard, the Hämmel march to the village square and deliver the Kirmesrede. What begins as a humorous review of the year quickly turns into a satirical settling of scores with everything that has gone wrong in the village over the past twelve months. No one is spared, not even the mayor.
Four Days of Fair Life
The fairground hosts dodgem cars, a children's carousel, a shooting gallery, and stalls selling sweets and wine. In the festival tent, brass bands, regional cover bands, and DJs take turns. The traditional opening on Friday evening is a Kirmes disco, on Sunday a dance band plays for the family lunch, and Monday is dedicated to the Frühschoppen (morning pint) with the local music club (most recently MV Steinberg-Deckenhardt). On Tuesday evening, the infamous Kerbebegräbnis takes place, including the initiation ("baptism") of the upcoming Hämmel cohort.
Why the Trip is Worthwhile
Unlike most Saarland fair festivals, which have long since been depoliticized and smoothed over for tourism, Güdesweiler has preserved its hearty village humour and the collective effort of all associations. Anyone seeking an authentic impression of rural life in northern Saarland will find themselves in the right place here.
Hammelskerb — edition 2026
The official generation and cultural program 2026 of the municipality of Oberthal names the period of July 24 to 27, 2026, for the Hammelskerb in Güdesweiler. The Village Association Güdesweiler e.V., led by chairman Timo Backes, and the IG Hämmel e.V., which organizes the procession of young men in white shirts and red top hats, remain in charge.
The proven program structure of recent years is expected: opening on Friday evening, a sports pre-program by SG Oberes Bliestal on Saturday, family Sunday with a children's magician and the Kirmesrede in the late afternoon, morning pint on Monday with the music club, and the final fair dance.
Programme Hammelskerb 2026
Friday, July 24, 2026 — Kick-off
- 7:00 PM — Festival service in St. Stephanus parish church
- 8:00 PM — Opening of the festival tent by the Dorfverein Güdesweiler
- 8:30 PM — Kirmes disco by IG Hämmel in the festival tent
Saturday, July 25, 2026 — Sports Festival and Dance Evening
- 3:30 PM — Football match of SG Oberes Bliestal at the sports field
- from 6:00 PM — Fairground operations (dodgem cars, children's carousel, shooting gallery)
- 8:30 PM — Dance evening with live cover band in the festival tent
Sunday, July 26, 2026 — Climax with Kirmesrede
- 10:00 AM — Hiking meet-up at the fairground with the Wanderverein Güdesweiler
- 12:00 PM — Lunch at the festival tent
- 3:30 PM — Children's program with magician
- 5:00 PM — Hämmel's Kirmesrede on the village square, followed by the procession of the white-and-red clad Hämmel with marksmen's honour guard
- from 7:00 PM — Dance evening in the festival tent
Monday, July 27, 2026 — Frühschoppen and Kerbebegräbnis
- 11:00 AM — Frühschoppen with Musikverein Steinberg-Deckenhardt
- 2:00 PM — Family afternoon with coffee and cake
- 4:00 PM — Live music by a regional band
- 10:00 PM — Kerbebegräbnis and "baptism" of the new Hämmel cohort
Detailed program and band announcements will be published by the Dorfverein Güdesweiler via the Oberthal municipality's notices and the district newsletter in June 2026.
Highlights Hammelskerb 2026
- Procession of the Hämmel in white shirts, red top hats, ram's heads on Sunday
- Kirmesrede with satirical review of village life over the past year
- Classic fair attractions: dodgem cars, children's carousel, shooting gallery
- Frühschoppen with Musikverein Steinberg-Deckenhardt
- Kerbebegräbnis with initiation of the new Hämmel cohort
Prices Hammelskerb 2026
Free admission. Food and drinks at village prices.
Practical information — Hammelskerb
Getting There
Güdesweiler is located in the St. Wendel district, about 40 km northeast of Saarbrücken. By car via the A1 (exit Tholey/Theley), then the B41 towards St. Wendel. By public transport from St. Wendel train station with bus lines R1/R3 (Saarland tariff).
Admission and Parking
Free admission. Free parking spaces around the fairground and in the village center, signposted during peak times.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Tholey, St. Wendel, and at Bostalsee (15 min. drive). Designated pitches for motorhomes are available in Tholey.
Tip
Keep Sunday afternoon free — the Kirmesrede is an unforgettable experience.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Hammelskerb al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Hammelskerb
Festplatz Güdesweiler
Festplatz Güdesweiler, 66649 Oberthal