Heßdorfer Kerwa

Franconian Kirchweih Tradition

The Heßdorfer Kerwa is the annual Kirchweih (church consecration festival) of the municipality of Heßdorf in the district of Erlangen-Höchstadt (Bavaria, Central Franconia). As throughout Franconia, the Kerwa is considered the social highlight of the village year – a four-day festival that is jointly organized and celebrated by the village community. It traditionally takes place in September.

The Local Lads and the Kerwa Maypole

The Kerwa is organized by the Heßdorfer Ortsburschen und -madli (local lads and lasses). The highlight is the traditional raising of the maypole: The beautifully decorated Kerwa maypole is erected with painstaking manual labor – a custom that connects generations. The festival takes place around the maypole with music, dancing, and Franconian conviviality.

Program and Specialties

In addition to the maypole raising, exciting competitions and popular go-kart races are part of the program. Culinary delights include Franconian specialties – from hearty Schmankerln (delicacies) to freshly tapped beer. The celebration takes place around the sports center of the Spielvereinigung Heßdorf.

Part of a Rich Kerwa Calendar

Heßdorf and its districts maintain a busy Kirchweih calendar: The Hannberger Kerwa also takes place at the same time, and throughout the year, among others, the Heringskerwa in Niederlindach, the Fränkische Sportlerkerwa, the Membacher, and the Klebheimer Kerwa. The Heßdorfer Kerwa is one of the central dates in the administrative community of Heßdorf.