Hetzleser Kerwa

Franconian Kirchweih in Hetzles

The Hetzleser Kerwa is one of the liveliest Kirchweih traditions in the Franconian Switzerland. Hetzles is an independent municipality in the Forchheim district in the state of Bavaria and belongs to the Dormitz administrative union. The Kerwa is traditionally celebrated on the third weekend of August, from Thursday to Monday.

Two Burschenschaften, One Festival

A special feature of the Hetzleser Kerwa is that two competing Burschenschaften jointly host the festival: one at the Mendelwirt and the other at the Schuisenwirt with the Burschenschaft Grießinger. Both inns celebrate in parallel with guests and all kinds of music, which gives the Kerwa a very unique, exuberant dynamic.

Tradition Day by Day

The Kerwa follows a fixed sequence of traditions: On Saturday, the Kerwabaum (»Maiabaam« - Maypole) is fetched and ceremoniously erected. On Sunday, the »Fääslaausgroobn« – digging out the keg – takes place, on Monday »Kiegla zammgschbilld« (rolling barrels together) are done, and in the evening the »Betz austanzt« (dancing the Betz), the festive dancing around the Kerwabaum, which forms the highlight and conclusion of the Kerwa.

Pure Village Community

The Hetzleser Kerwa is a festival of and for the village community. For five days, brass music, dancing, Franconian delicacies, and beer characterize the event – a living piece of Upper Franconian tradition that brings together locals and guests from the region.

• When: Third weekend of August, Thursday to Monday
• Locations: Mendelwirt and Schuisenwirt, Hetzles
• Organizers: Two Burschenschaften
• Highlight: Betz austanzn on Monday evening