Kirchweih Jockgrim

The Kirchweih Jockgrim is part of the traditional Palatinate Kerwe culture and is particularly elaborately maintained in the southern Palatinate administrative district. The municipality of Jockgrim, with its approximately 7,000 inhabitants, is the largest in the administrative district and organizes the festival together with local clubs and showmen.

Significance of the Kerwe

The Kerwe (from Middle High German kirchweihe, meaning church consecration) dates back to the patronage of the local parish church and is the most important village festival format in the Palatinate. Unlike the southern German Kirchweih, the Palatinate Kerwe is not primarily celebrated ecclesiastically but as a large social club and family festival.

Venue: Bürgerplatz

The Bürgerplatz in the center of Jockgrim is transformed into a large festival ground for the event. A central festival tent, showmen with amusement rides (carousel, bumper cars, swing boat), game stalls, snack stands, and the pavilions of local clubs are spread across the square.

Program Structure

The Kerwe opens on Friday evening with the traditional beer tapping ceremony and a first dance evening in the festival tent. Saturday and Sunday are the main visitor days with all-day catering, amusement rides, and stage program. Sunday begins with the traditional Palatinate Frühschoppen, and in the afternoon, the Kerwerede by the Kerweborsch takes place — a humorous speech reflecting on and commenting on the past year's events in the village. Monday or Tuesday marks a relaxed conclusion.

Catering

Palatinate specialties dominate: Bratwurst, steak, Saumagen (pig's stomach stuffed with pork and other ingredients), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), fries, salads, along with Kerwe beer on tap, Palatinate wine, and Schorle (wine mixed with sparkling water).