Kirchweih Aurachtal
Franconian Kärwa between Pentecost and Maibaum in Münchaurach, Falkendorf and Oberreichenbach
About Kärwa Aurachtal
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Kärwa in Aurachtal
The Kirchweih Aurachtal is one of the traditional Franconian church consecration festivals in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district, west of Erlangen, on the border of the Steigerwald. Like all Franconian church consecration festivals, it dates back to the annual commemoration of the consecration of the local church — today, it is primarily a folk festival with a festival tent, beer service, brass band music, and tradition.
Three Districts, One Festival
Aurachtal consists of three larger districts: Münchaurach with its historic 12th-century monastery, Falkendorf, and Oberreichenbach. Each district has its own Kirchweih traditions — Münchaurach is usually the most prominent venue, where the festival tent is typically set up.
Typical Course of a Franconian Kärwa
A classic Franconian Kirchweih lasts four days (Friday to Monday) and follows a course handed down through generations:
- Friday — Tapping of the Kärwa barrel, opening in the festival tent with brass band music
- Saturday — Disco evening or concert, party band, often featuring a regionally well-known group
- Sunday — Church service, followed by a parade of the Kerwasburschen (festival lads) and Kerwasmadla (festival lasses) through the village, raising of the Kerwabaum (maypole), folk dancing on the dance floor, aroma of bratwurst, cart races ("Kerwa-Wagen")
- Monday — Frühschoppen (morning pint), Kerwa burial in the evening (humorous farewell to the festival with a performance)
Pentecost Date 2026
Aurachtal celebrates its Kirchweih around Pentecost — Pentecost Sunday falls on May 24, 2026, but the Kirchweih takes place on the date officially designated in the event calendar of the Erlangen-Höchstadt district: May 8-10, 2026 (Friday to Sunday).
Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla
The Kerwasburschen are the unmarried young men of the village who are responsible for organizing and upholding the festival's traditions. They raise the Kerwabaum, lead the dance performance, and organize the cart race. Together with the Kerwasmadla, they form the heart of the Franconian Kirchweih tradition.
Location
Aurachtal is located about 15 kilometers west of Erlangen, at the transition to the Steigerwald, in a hilly low mountain landscape. The municipality is easily accessible via the A3 motorway (Würzburg–Nuremberg, exit Höchstadt-Ost or Pommersfelden).
Kärwa Aurachtal — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Aurachtal Kirchweih is officially designated for May 8-10, 2026 (Source: 2026 Kirchweih Overview of the Erlangen-Höchstadt District). The focus of the festival is traditionally in Münchaurach, where the festival tent is erected.
Like every Franconian Kärwa, the Aurachtal Kirchweih is supported by the local association of Kerwasburschen — they organize the parade, the dance performance, and the Kerwabaum. Brass bands and party bands play in the festival tent; Saturdays usually feature a disco or a concert, and Sundays the traditional parade through the village.
Programme Kärwa Aurachtal 2026
Program May 8–10, 2026 (Typical Kärwa Schedule)
- Friday, May 8, 2026 — Beer tapping in the evening, opening in the festival tent with brass music from the local band
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Disco evening or concert evening with a party band, festival tent operation until late at night
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Festival service, followed by a parade of the Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla through Münchaurach, raising of the Kerwabaum, folk dance performance, festival tent operation until the evening
Note on the Full Program
The detailed program and performance times of the bands are traditionally communicated by the Kerwasburschen shortly before the festival via posters and the website of the municipality of Aurachtal.
Highlights Kärwa Aurachtal 2026
- Three days of Franconian Kärwa tradition
- Festival tent with brass music and party band
- Kerwabaum, parade, and dance performance on Sunday
- Kerwasburschen and Kerwasmadla as traditional main actors
- Bratwurst, Franconian beer, and snacks
- Free admission (special events excluded)
Prices Kärwa Aurachtal 2026
Admission to the festival tent is generally free. For concerts or disco evenings, a moderate fee may be charged at the entrance. Food and drinks are available directly at the counter.
Practical information — Kärwa Aurachtal
Getting There
By car: A3 (Würzburg–Nuremberg), exit Höchstadt-Ost (35 km before Erlangen) or Pommersfelden, then continue on the state road. By train and bus: from Erlangen, take line 209 / 230 to Aurachtal-Münchaurach.
Admission
Free admission. Food and drinks are available directly at the counter in the festival tent. A moderate fee may be charged at the entrance for special concerts.
On Site
Festival tent (usually in Münchaurach), bratwurst and snack stands, carousel and small fairground attractions, dance floor, parade on Sunday. Sturdy footwear recommended.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Kärwa Aurachtal
Ortsteile Münchaurach, Falkendorf und Oberreichenbach