Heuchelheim Kerwe

The Heuchelheim Kerwe is a typical example of the vibrant Palatinate Kerwe culture in small municipalities in the Rhein-Pfalz district. With its approximately 1,500 inhabitants, Heuchelheim near Frankenthal is one of the smaller communities in the Vorderpfalz, but the Kerwe festival is of central importance for the identity and club life of its citizens.

Opening at the Local History Museum with "Die Egerländer"

The festival opening on Friday evening at 6 p.m. traditionally takes place at the local history museum – a symbolic location that underscores the Kerwe's connection to local history. The mayor officially opens the festival, and the brass band "Die Egerländer" provides the festive accompaniment with traditional Bohemian-Moravian sounds. At the opening, there is free beer from the Eichbaum brewery and freshly baked Palatinate pretzels. This sets the mood for the entire festival weekend.

Die Egerländer Musicians

The name "Die Egerländer" refers to the famous Egerländer march and polka music, which originally comes from the Egerland (West Bohemia) and is considered synonymous with sophisticated brass band music in Germany. In the Palatinate, Egerländer music is a popular style at Kerwen and folk festivals, providing the characteristic festive sound.

Kerwe Parade and Kerwerede

On the weekend – usually on Sunday – the Kerwe parade takes place. Heuchelheim clubs, the Kerweborscht group, local brass bands, and festively decorated floats parade through the town center. The highlight is the Kerwerede in the Palatinate dialect, in which the Kerweborscht humorously comments on the past year's local events – a central ritual of every Palatinate Kerwe.

Four Days of Palatinate Festival Culture

The Heuchelheim Kerwe classically extends from Friday to Monday and offers:

• Friday: Opening at the local history museum with Egerländer music, free beer, and pretzels.
• Saturday: Club stands, live music in the festival tent, dancing in the evening.
• Sunday: Festival service, morning pint with brass music, Kerwe parade in the afternoon.
• Monday: Festival finale with live music and Kerwebegraben (Kerwe burial).

Heuchelheim near Frankenthal

Heuchelheim uses the suffix "near Frankenthal" to distinguish it from Heuchelheim in Hesse and Heuchelheim-Klingen in Rhenish Hesse. The municipality is located directly on the city border with Frankenthal in the northern Rhein-Pfalz district and belongs to the Heßheim administrative district. Despite its small population, Heuchelheim maintains active club life, with the Kerwe being its annual highlight.