Kirchweih Burgbernheim

A Franconian Kerwa with Marksmen Tradition

The Kirchweih, or colloquially Kerwa, is the most identity-defining village and town festival of the year in Franconia. In Burgbernheim, a small town in the Neustadt an der Aisch–Bad Windsheim district (Middle Franconia, Bavaria), the Kerwa is celebrated as a multi-day event with a particularly rich tradition of marksmen. The festival is supported by the town of Burgbernheim, the local church communities, the Royal Privileged Marksmen's Society, the Kerwa Youth, and the Civic Marksmen.

Religious Opening and Festive Parade

The Kerwa begins with Protestant and Catholic festive church services in Burgbernheim's churches. This is followed by the festive parade of the Royal Privileged Marksmen's Society, accompanied by music bands, traditional costume wearers, and the Kerwa Youth, marching through the town – a ritual that has evolved over generations in Burgbernheim.

Kerwa Youth and Civic Marksmen

The Kerwa Youth plays a central role in Franconian customs: they preserve the festival's traditions, organize dances, folk entertainment, and the raising of the Kerwa tree. The Civic Marksmen complement the festive scene with their uniforms, flags, and the traditional marksmen's shooting competition, which dates back to the 19th century in Burgbernheim.

Franconian Specialties

Culinary delights at the Kerwa include Franconian specialties: Schäuferla (pork shoulder with crackling), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), Kerwaküchla (traditional doughnuts), Sauerbraten (marinated roast beef), Franconian farmer's platters, Franconian beer, and wine. The restaurants and club stands around the market square and festival grounds are open for several days during the festival.

Burgbernheim and Middle Franconian Kerwa Customs

Burgbernheim is a town of around 3,000 inhabitants in the Neustadt an der Aisch–Bad Windsheim district, a stronghold of the Middle Franconian Kerwa. The region maintains a particularly strong Kirchweih culture, with annual dates extending well into autumn – the Burgbernheim Kerwa is one of the largest and longest in the region.