Kirchweih Hemhofen

First Kerwa of the Season

The Kirchweih Hemhofen is special among the many Kirchweihen in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district: it is one of the first Kerwas of the year and is considered the season opener for the numerous Kirchweihen that will take place in the following months in the villages and market towns of the district. When the maypole is erected in Hemhofen and the beer is tapped, the warm festival season begins in the Franconian calendar.

Three Festival Tents – Pure Franconian Kerwa

Unlike many smaller village Kerwas, the Hemhofen Kerwa is spread across three festival tents within the town: the traditional festival tent at the »Goldener Schwan« inn on Hauptstraße, a second tent at Theo's »Die kleine Welt« on Blumenstraße, and a newer party tent on the festival grounds at the former tennis courts. Each tent has its own atmosphere, its own audience, and its own music program – guests wander from tent to tent throughout the evening.

Maypole, Beer Tapping, and Brass Music

The program follows the classic Middle Franconian Kirchweih dramaturgy: maypole erection on the eve or on the opening day, festive beer tapping by the mayor, followed by brass music and party bands. Traditional bands like the Zeckerner Musikanten, the Leutenbacher Musikanten, and the Blasmusik from the surrounding villages guarantee authentic Franconian sound.

Hemhofen – Southern Erlangen-Höchstadt

Hemhofen is a municipality with around 6,700 inhabitants in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district in Middle Franconia (State of Bavaria). The municipality is located in the Aischgrund region, south of the town of Höchstadt an der Aisch, and belongs to the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. The Kirchweih here is not just a custom, but an important social institution: clubs, restaurateurs, and the municipality organize the festival together, and for many Hemhofen residents, the Kerwa is the most important family festival of the year besides Christmas.

Seniors' and Family Afternoon

During the day, classic accompanying events take place: Seniors' Afternoon with coffee and cake, Family Afternoon with child-friendly activities, and a morning pint on Sunday morning with brass music. The combination of tradition and relaxed conviviality makes the Hemhofen Kerwa so charming.

Kick-off to the Kirchweih Season ERH

After Hemhofen, other Kirchweihen follow in quick succession in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district: Zeckern (May 14–17), Adelsdorf, Großenseebach, Heroldsbach, Vach, Mühlhausen, and many others. Those who want to experience a real Franconian Kerwa season start with Hemhofen at the beginning of May.