Honzrath Kathreinenkirmes

Saint Catherine and her Saarland Chapel

The St. Catherine's Chapel in Honzrath is one of the most valuable small churches in Saarland. It is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose feast day is celebrated on November 25th. Every year on the last Sunday before the first Advent (Totensonntag), the population of Honzrath – a district of Beckingen in the Merzig-Wadern district – celebrates its winter fair in honor of the Saint.

A Fair of Religious Tradition

Unlike many other Saarland fairs, the Kathreinenkirmes is a deeply religious event. It typically begins on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a meeting point at the old fire station, from where the community walks together to the chapel. At 6:30 p.m., Holy Mass is celebrated in the chapel – often accompanied musically by the church choir.

Cozy Get-Together in the Kathreinensaal

After the Mass, the village community gathers in the Kathreinensaal for a social get-together. There are Saarlandic specialties – Hokäs, Schwenkbraten, soups, mulled wine, and non-alcoholic hot drinks – and, above all, plenty of time for conversation. The Kathreinenkirmes is less a folk festival with rides and more a community celebration that showcases the residents' roots in their village.

Schaufelskeller and Felskellerkrippe

Honzrath is also known for the "Schaufelskeller," a historic rock cellar that becomes a regional attraction between the Kathreinenkirmes and Christmas, known as the "Felskellerkrippe" (Rock Cellar Nativity Scene). Those who experience Kathreinen Sunday in Honzrath can visit the Felskellerkrippe throughout the Advent season – a unique Saarlandic custom.

Beckingen in the Saarschleifenland

Honzrath is located in the municipality of Beckingen in the Merzig-Wadern district – a region characterized by its location in the Saarschleifenland (Saar Loop region). The nearby Saar Loop near Mettlach is Germany's most famous meander and makes the Saarschleifenland one of the most popular natural destinations in Southwest Germany.