Horchheimer Kirmes – St. Maximinus

The Horchheimer Kirmes is a firm fixture in the festival calendar of southern Koblenz. It is organised by the Horchheimer Kirmesgesellschaft St. Maximinus e.V., which has been preserving the Kirchweih (church consecration) tradition for generations and, in cooperation with local clubs, puts together a diverse programme.

The venue is the Mendelssohnpark, in close proximity to the St. Maximinus parish church. Over the weekend, it becomes a fairground with rides for children and young people, sweet and snack stalls, and a large festival tent where local clubs entertain their guests. Blasmusik (brass bands), cover bands, and DJ sets take turns on stage, ensuring the right atmosphere for every generation.

Customs and District Life

The roots of the festival reach back to a time when the Kirchweih (church consecration) festival of the Catholic St. Maximinus parish was the annual highlight of village life. Even after Horchheim was incorporated into Koblenz, the Kirmes remained a symbol of the district's independence and strong sense of community. Today, carnival, shooting, music, and sports clubs are involved in the organisation, making the Kirmes an important source of income for the clubs' coffers.

Highlights

The fixed programme points include the beer tapping on Friday evening, the Kirmes parade on Sunday afternoon with floats and music groups, the Kirmes church service in St. Maximinus, and the family day with reduced prices on rides. The traditional Kehraus (farewell party) on Monday evening with live music and a communal wind-down in the festival tent marks the festive conclusion.

Framework Programme of the Kirmesgesellschaft

Throughout the year, the Horchheimer Kirmesgesellschaft St. Maximinus organises other events such as spring and autumn hikes, carnival parades, and the St. Martin's Day lantern procession in November. However, the Kirmes itself is the unifying element and the social highlight of the district's year.