Hesslocher Kuckuckskerb

The last Kerb of the Wiesbaden season

Heßloch, with around 1,000 inhabitants, is the smallest district of Wiesbaden — and yet (or precisely because of it) one of the most vibrant Kerb communities in Hesse. For generations, the Kuckuckskerb has formed the festive closing point of a long series of Wiesbaden Kerb celebrations, which carry around 15 districts through the summer from May to October.

What a „Kerb“ is

In Rhenish Hesse and Southern Hesse, "Kerb" is the short form of Kirchweih (church consecration festival) — originally the anniversary of the village church's consecration. Today, it represents the largest local festival: barrel tapping, live music, a parade, Kerbeburschen (festival lads) and Kerbemädchen (festival maids) in traditional costume or club attire, and a weekend when the entire neighborhood is out and about.

The Kuckuckskerb Traditions

The organizer is the Kerbegesellschaft Kuckuck Heßloch (Kuckuck Heßloch Festival Society). Its trademarks: the Friday barrel tapping to open, a torchlight procession, the famous Frühschoppen (early morning pint/gathering) on Sunday morning, a children's program — and the Playback Show on Saturday evening, where the Kerbeburschen perform with great self-irony. Anyone who has been there once comes back.

Heßloch and the Wiesbaden Suburbs

Heßloch is located in the east of Wiesbaden between vineyards and orchards, on the edge of the Untertaunus. The Kerb is one of the few occasions when the entire village center transforms into a festival mile for a weekend — a mixture of village festival, club meeting, and neighborhood birthday.

Admission and Character

The Kuckuckskerb is free to enter, with catering handled entirely by volunteers from the Kerbegesellschaft and local clubs. It is a Kerb for insiders and guests alike — warm, tradition-bound, and without any of the gloss of event films.