Heinrichser Kirmes Suhl

A Tradition Since 1503

The Heinrichser Kirmes dates back to the year 1503, when the consecration of the Heinrichs church to St. Ulrich was first documented. For over five hundred years, the festival has been celebrated in the Suhl suburb of Heinrichs — today supported by the Heinrichser Burschenschaft e.V., an association of young men (and for some years now, women) who pass on the tradition from generation to generation. Unlike the suburban Kirmes festivals of many Thuringian towns, Heinrichs has preserved its own character: tent festival, parade, Sunday traditions — a must-attend event in the Suhl calendar.

Four Days of Festival Tent and Tradition

The Kirmes traditionally runs from Thursday to Sunday. Thursday evening opens with the «Oldie Dance Evening» with dance music from the 70s to 90s. Friday is dedicated to the parade of the Burschen through the district streets — led by a brass band, followed by the dance evening in the festival tent. On Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, the Burschen wake up the district with serenades and collect donations for the association's work in wooden mugs, the so-called «Löbbe». In the afternoon, there's a children's program with games and competitions, and in the evening, there's dancing in the festival tent again.

Sunday — Parade and Gögerschlag

Sunday is the highlight of the Kirmes. From the morning onwards, the district gathers for «Hüt's on Brüh», a traditional stew. At 2:30 PM, the grand parade starts with over twenty decorated floats, friendly associations, the Suhl-Heinrichs primary school, and music bands from the region — winding through the district to the festival grounds. Immediately following is the famous Gögerschlag: a pre-drawn Burschenschaft member attempts to hit a buried rooster's head with a flail while blindfolded. For ethical reasons, a live rooster is no longer used — the tradition is preserved. Whoever hits it must buy a round for the Burschenschaft. Admission to the festival tent is free on Sunday.

Heinrichs — Suhl Suburb in the Thuringian Forest

The district of Heinrichs lies on the southern edge of the city of Suhl in the state of Thuringia, in the middle of the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Until its incorporation in 1936, Heinrichs was an independent municipality; today, the district retains its rural character with a strong sense of tradition, thanks in part to associations like the Heinrichser Burschenschaft. Those extending their festival weekend will find hiking opportunities all around to the Großer Beerberg, the Rennsteig, and the Vesser-Schwarza Valley — Thuringian Forest classics right on their doorstep.