Kirchweih Leinburg (Pfingstkirchweih)

The Pentecost Kirwa in the Nürnberger Land district

While many Franconian Kirwas take place in late summer or autumn, the Leinburg Kirchweih is traditionally associated with the Pentecost festival. In 2026, Pentecost falls on May 24th (Pentecost Sunday) and May 25th (Pentecost Monday); the Leinburg Kirwa runs from Saturday, May 23rd, to Tuesday, May 26th – four festival days around the high feast. The organizer is the Kirwaverein Leinburg e.V.

A Classic Franconian Kärwa

The Leinburg Kirwa follows the typical Middle Franconian Kärwa (traditional folk festival) tradition: Erecting the Kirwabaum (maypole) by the Kirwaboum (young men responsible for the maypole) on Saturday, festive church service on Pentecost Sunday, traditional Kirwa dances by the Burschen und Mädchen (young men and women) on Sunday or Monday afternoon, festive evening with dance music in the festival tent, and a cozy wind-down on Tuesday. Catering with Franconian specialties and regional beers.

Pentecost in Middle Franconia

Pentecost is particularly active in terms of Kirwas in Middle Franconia: Numerous villages in the Nürnberger Land district, the Erlangen region, and Franconian Switzerland celebrate their Kirwas on this weekend. The tradition is closely linked to the Catholic Feast of the Holy Spirit but has long found its place in Protestant villages and is now primarily a traditional customs festival for youth clubs.

Leinburg – A Middle Franconian Village near Nuremberg

Leinburg is located in the Nürnberger Land district, east of Nuremberg in the hilly Middle Franconian foreland leading to Franconian Switzerland. With just under 4,600 inhabitants, Leinburg is a larger village with active club life. The Kirchweih is one of the central social events of the year – a festival that connects generations and shapes village life.