Harxheim Kerb

Harxheim is a small wine community in the Selztal region of Rheinhessen, located between Mainz and Nieder-Olm. The Kerb – short for Kirchweih (church consecration festival) – dates back to the consecration of the local parish church and has evolved over generations into a secular Volksfest that involves the entire village.

The venue is the Kerbe Plaza at the Wiegehaus, a central square in the village, which is equipped with a festival tent, stage, beer benches, and stalls for the Kerb. The Wiegehaus, a historic building from the agricultural era, forms the characteristic backdrop of the festival.

The local clubs are the main actors of the Kerb. The sports club, fire department, church communities, the HVV Harxheim, and other groups provide catering at stalls with Rhenish-Hessian specialties, bratwurst, fries, steaks, and a wide range of drinks. The Harxheim vintners serve their wines – Riesling, Silvaner, Weißburgunder, Spätburgunder, and Rosé.

In the evening, the stage takes center stage. A cover band or a DJ provides the atmosphere, the dance floor opens, and the Kerbe Plaza transforms into a lively meeting place for generations. Younger and older people dance and celebrate together, a reflection of the community that spans the entire village.

In contrast to the large Weinhöfefest (wine estate festival), which opens the courtyards of the entire community in August, the Kerb is a more concentrated, inwardly focused festival. It is primarily aimed at the residents of Harxheim and former residents returning home for the Kerb. Anyone who wants to get an authentic impression of a Rhenish-Hessian village Kerb from Mainz or the surrounding area will find it here.