Ipsheim May Kirchweih

Kerwa in the Franconian Wine Village

The Ipsheimer Maien-Kirchweih is the traditional Kirchweih of the market town of Ipsheim in the district of Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim, in the state of Bavaria. Ipsheim is located in the Aischtal valley and is a small but historically significant wine village: viticulture has been practiced here since around the year 916, making Ipsheim the southernmost wine-growing area on the Frankenhöhe.

Franconian Kirchweih Customs

The Maien-Kirchweih follows the typical Franconian Kerwa schedule. For several days, customs and conviviality characterize the scene in the town center around the market square:

• Solemn beer tapping ceremony to open the festival
• Erection and guarding of the Kirchweihbaum
• Live music and dance evenings
• Franconian specialties and regional wines
• Kirchweih church service
• Colorful festivities for young and old

Wine and Homeland

What makes the Ipsheim Kerwa special is the close connection between Kirchweih customs and wine culture. The regional wines from Ipsheim's vintners are just as much in focus as hearty Franconian specialties. This makes the Maien-Kirchweih an authentic example of the vibrant village and wine culture of the Franconian Aischtal.

Ipsheim on the Frankenhöhe

The market town of Ipsheim is nestled among the vineyards on the Frankenhöhe, at the transition from the Aischtal valley to the rolling hills of Middle Franconia. The Maien-Kirchweih is the social highlight of early summer and attracts guests from the entire district.