Irchenrieth Kirwa

Kirwa in the Northern Oberpfalz

The Kirwa is the Oberpfalz variant of the southern German Kirchweih (church consecration festival). Unlike in Franconia, it is characterized by special rituals – especially the joint raising of the Kirwabaum, the Plärrer dance by the Kirwa lads and lasses (often in traditional costume), and the close connection between the parish, the fire department, and the Catholic Youth League (KLJB).

Village Center as Festival Grounds

The Irchenriether Kirwa takes place in the village center between St. Barbara's Church and the Florian Fountain. The open-air setting makes the Kirwa a particularly visible, summery village festival – unlike the variant with a classic festival tent, many program points take place directly outdoors.

Tradition with Growing Attendance

What began as a small village festival has developed in recent years into one of the most sought-after Kirwa destinations in the northern Oberpfalz. Local reports speak of the Irchenriether Kirwa growing "from a small festival to a top event" – hundreds of guests from Vohenstrauß, Weiden, and the surrounding communities come to the village every year.

Program Classics

• Kirwabaum-Aufstellen (Saturday)
• Kirwa procession and Plärrer dance with Kirwa lads and lasses in traditional costume
• Performance by the "Breznsalzer" and other regional bands
• Patron saint's day church service around St. Barbara's Church
• Oberpfalz specialties: Saure Lunge (sour lung), Saure Zipfel (sour sausages), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), Brezn (pretzels), regional beer
• Kirwa dance on Sunday with final ceremony

Irchenrieth in the Neustadt a.d. Waldnaab District

Irchenrieth is located in the Neustadt an der Waldnaab district, in the state of Bavaria, east of Vohenstrauß. The region, at the transition from the Oberpfälzer Wald to the Czech border, is home to numerous Kirwa festivals – Kirwa customs are world-famous here and are kept alive by an active young generation that carries on the rites.