Kerwe Fischbach

The Kerwe Fischbach is the traditional Kirchweih (church consecration festival) of the Fischbach district in the Verbandsgemeinde Enkenbach-Alsenborn in the Kaiserslautern district. From September 12 to 15, 2026, the four-day Kerwe will be celebrated – a central date in the annual calendar of the West Palatinate community.

Fischbach in the VG Enkenbach-Alsenborn

Fischbach is one of the local municipalities of the Verbandsgemeinde Enkenbach-Alsenborn, north of Kaiserslautern. The small community maintains its village identity and celebrates its most important club festival of the year with the Kerwe.

Four-day Palatinate Kerwe

The Fischbach Kerwe is celebrated over four days, from Saturday to Tuesday: Opening with keg tapping on Saturday evening, main Kerwe day on Sunday with Frühschoppen (morning pint), lunch, Kerwe parade in the afternoon, and festival evening, Monday is family day, and Tuesday is the winding down with the Kerwe burial late in the evening.

Kerweborsch and Traditions

As in every Palatinate village, the Kerweborsch (Kerwe boys), Kerweparrer (Kerwe priest), and Kerwestrauß (Kerwe bouquet) shape the festival. The humorous and satirical Kerwerede (Kerwe speech) on Sunday afternoon is the highlight of the Kerwe and addresses village events, local anecdotes, and political events of the year.

Kerwe Parade on Sunday

The Kerwe parade on Sunday is the traditional highlight. Decorated floats, music bands, the Kerweborsch, and local clubs march through the village streets; this is followed by the Kerwerede at the festival tent and continued festivities until late in the evening.

Club Life and Catering

The local clubs – sports club, fire department, and others – provide the festival tent, bar, and catering. The menu features Palatinate classics: Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (fried sausage), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Schwenkbraten (grilled pork neck), fries, and Schmalzgebäck (lard pastries). Draft beer and Palatinate wine accompany the festival weekend.