Kirchweih Burgsalach

Franconian Kerwa Tradition in Burgsalach

Burgsalach is a municipality in the Middle Franconian district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, located in the scenically attractive region of Altmühlfranken. The Kirchweih — known as "Kerwa" in Franconia — is the central village festival of the year and upholds the vibrant tradition of Franconian Kirchweihen, which have been celebrated in many towns and villages in the region for centuries.

A Festival Tent Kirchweih by the Clubs

The Kirchweih Burgsalach is supported by a community of local clubs: the Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Shooting Club, the Rural Youth, and the Sports Club. They are supported by the Kraft festival host family and the Nennslingen St. Georgen Brewery, which supplies the festival beer. The celebration takes place in a festival tent on the grounds on the Bollach. This collaboration of clubs is characteristic of the Franconian village Kerwa.

Dance Around the Kirchweih Tree

The highlight of the Kirchweih is the traditional dance around the Kirchweih tree. The young men parade together with the musicians of the Raitenbucher Blaskapelle through the village, led by the Platzknecht and Platzmagd — the central figures of Franconian Kerwa tradition. The decorated Kirchweih tree forms the symbolic center of the festival.

Kirchweih Service and Festival Operations

The Kirchweih also includes the Kirchweih service of the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Burgsalach. Throughout the four festival days, the program is characterized by festival tent operations, brass music, Franconian specialties, and convivial gatherings. The event is free to enter and designed to be family-friendly.

Significance in the Altmühlfranken Festival Calendar

The Kirchweih Burgsalach fits into the dense Kirchweih calendar of the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district, where numerous municipalities celebrate their own Kerwa. As an annual club festival with vibrant traditions, it attracts visitors from Burgsalach and the neighboring municipalities of the Nennslingen administrative union.