Hembacher Kärwa (Kirchweih Rednitzhembach)

Hembacher Kärwa — Franconian Kirchweih in Hembach town center

Rednitzhembach is located in the district of Roth, south of Nuremberg in the Franconian Aischgrund region. The district of Hembach, together with Rednitz, forms the current double name of the municipality. The Kirchweih in Hembach is traditionally celebrated on the 4th weekend after Pentecost — in Bavaria, this is one of the typical calendar rules that results in a different date each year. In 2026, the weekend falls on June 19th to 22nd.

Kärwabaum, Parade, and Beer Tapping

Traditionally, the festivities begin with the parade of the Kärwasburschen and -madli through the town center, followed by the raising of the Kerwabaum — a tall tree decorated with green branches, wreaths, and colorful ribbons, which remains standing until the end of the festival. This is followed by the beer tapping by the mayor and the first beer in the festival tent. The Kärwasburschen wear historical costumes — Lederhosen, white shirts, embroidered vests — and honor the church consecration of the town with this custom.

Four Festival Days with Live Program

Over the four festival days, various live bands play in the festival tent: classic brass music during the Frühschoppen (morning pint), dialect pop, and dance bands in the evenings. During the day, showmen offer rides on the festival grounds — chain carousel, shooting gallery, candy stalls, small roller coasters. The festival tent kitchen serves classic Franconian specialties: Schäuferla (pork shoulder), Bratwurst (fried sausage), Riesenbrezn (giant pretzels), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Apfelkücherl (apple fritters).

Fireworks on Festival Sunday

The highlight is the fireworks on the festival Sunday evening — a classic closing fireworks display over Hembach town center, which symbolically concludes the Kirchweih. On Monday, the festival concludes with a closing evening in the festival tent, where traditionally the Kärwasburschen also appear one last time in full traditional costume.

Kirchweih as an Anchor of Identity

Like many Franconian Kirchweihen, the Hembacher Kärwa is not a tourist event, but a social anchor of identity for the community: the Kärwasburschen, the parade, and the Kerwabaum are part of a centuries-old custom that brings the town center, clubs, and families together once a year. Visitors from outside experience a small, intimate, authentic festival weekend — far from the mass tourism of large folk festivals.