Kanzfeuer auf der Leite — Haag

Kanzfeuer — the Franconian Summer Solstice Custom

"Kanzfeuer" is the regional term for the summer solstice and St. John's fires lit in Upper Franconia on the weekend around June 24th (St. John's Day). The fire symbolizes the longest night of the year, the power of the sun, and—according to old folk belief—the protection of the harvest from evil spirits. Jumping over the embers is said to ward off illness; jumping hand in hand is believed to grant a long love.

The Kanzfeuer in Haag

The organizer is the Obst- und Gartenbauverein Haag (OGV). The fire burns on the "Leite"—a hillside above the village—and is visible from afar. Untreated wood is delivered days in advance (fixed acceptance times on Friday and Saturday afternoons) and piled into a bonfire.

What Happens on the Festival Evening

From 6:00 PM, the gathering begins at the festival grounds with regional specialties:

• "Hoocha Bratwurst" — typical Franconian sausage
• Currywurst and new grilled specialties from the "Grillheroes"
• Stick bread over an open flame — children can shape their own dough
• Beer, Schorle (mixed wine and soda), non-alcoholic drinks

Around 9:00 PM, the traditional torchlight procession begins. Participants walk with burning torches to the Culmberg, where the bonfire is lit. Afterwards, the celebration continues around the fire, often until well after midnight.

Surroundings

Haag in the Bayreuth district is a small municipality in the Bayreuth region. The Kanzfeuer is part of the municipality's annual event calendar, alongside the fire department's barbecue festival (June), the SV Schreez's summer festival, and the foundation festival at Schreez Castle.