Kirchweih Hatzenbühl (Kerwe)

Autumn Kerwe in the Tobacco Village

Most Palatinate Kerwen take place between early summer and early autumn. The Hatzenbühl Kirchweih is an exception and is traditionally scheduled for November. This late date dates back to the patron saint's festival of the Catholic parish church of St. Wendelinus (Wendelinus Day: October 20) and gives the festival a different character: it is an indoor Kerwe, characterized by the festival tent atmosphere, warm food, and the need for conviviality during the dark season.

Palatinate Kerwe Tradition

Despite the late date, the Hatzenbühl Kerwe follows the classic Palatinate custom structure: Kerwerede by the Kerweparrer (Kerwe priest), barrel tapping to open, festival tent operation with dance music, Sunday morning pint, and Kerwetanz (Kerwe dance) on Saturday evening. The Hatzenbühl clubs provide the catering with their club stands.

Palatinate Specialties

The cold season shapes the gastronomic offerings: Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Sauerkraut, Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), and Bratwurst (sausage) are the warm classics. In addition, there are desserts, cake on Sunday afternoon, and of course Palatinate wine from surrounding vintners, Pils on tap, and mulled wine. The club stands are mainly located in the festival tent.

Hatzenbühl – Tobacco and Club Life

Hatzenbühl is located in the historic tobacco-growing region of the Vorderpfalz and is known beyond the region primarily for the large Summer Night Festival and the tobacco-rolling competition of the music association. The Kerwe in November is the second major festival of the town and is aimed more at the people of Hatzenbühl themselves and their immediate neighbors from the Jockgrim administrative district.