Kerwe Dreisen

Kerwe — Palatinate Folk Festival with a Long History

The “Kerwe” (Kirchweihfest – church consecration festival) is a traditional Palatinate folk festival with roots in the religious consecration festival of the parish church. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a multi-day secular folk festival, with each Palatinate town having its own unique accents and characteristics. The Draser Kerb in Dreisen is one of the most distinctive Kerwen in the Donnersbergkreis.

Ladernsche-Owend as the Kick-off

The “Ladernsche-Owend” is a typical element of the Palatinate Kerwe and literally means “Lantern Evening.” The Kerwe participants parade through the village with lanterns, announcing the start of the festival. It is a traditional, atmospheric opening that sets the mood for the coming festival days for the village community. Palatinate dialect, Kerwe songs, and communal singing characterize the evening.

Kerwe Parade

The Kerwe parade is a central element of the Kerwe: colorful decorated floats, walking groups, music bands, and traditional costume groups march through the town center. Local clubs, families, and neighbors participate. Throwing materials – sweets, candies – are thrown into the crowd, and shouts of “Helau” or town-specific Kerwe slogans echo through the streets.

Kerwe Burial as the Climax

The Kerwe burial is the humorous and festive conclusion of the Kerwe. A straw doll – the “Kerb” – is symbolically buried, often with a pompous staging, satirical eulogies, and loud wailing. It is an old traditional element that marks the final farewell to the festival and simultaneously underscores the cohesion of the village community. The staging is both serious and humorous – a typical Palatinate mix.