Kirchweih Lichtenau

Lichtenau in Middle Franconia

The municipality of Lichtenau is located in the Ansbach district in Middle Franconia, about ten kilometers west of Ansbach. The town with its approximately 3,300 inhabitants and the striking 16th-century Lichtenau Fortress is part of the Middle Franconian fortress landscape and is accessible to tourists via the Castle Road. The fortress itself now serves as an external branch of the Nuremberg State Archives.

Kirchweih in Franconia

Kirchweih festivals — also known as Kerwa, Kärwa, or Kirwa in Franconia — are deeply rooted throughout Middle and Upper Franconia. They date back to medieval church consecration celebrations and have evolved into multi-day village festivals, often with their own customs such as raising the Kerwabaum (festival tree), dancing out, or the Plantanzen (a ritual dance) on the festival weekend. The Lichtenau Kirchweih is part of this Franconian festival culture.

Four Days on the Festival Grounds

The Kirchweih lasts for four days and uses Lichtenau's festival grounds as its venue. The spacious area accommodates the festival tent, carousels, food stalls, and a stage. The events range from the beer tapping on Friday evening and the parade of clubs on Saturday to the family afternoon on Sunday and the festival's conclusion on Monday. Free admission to all parts of the festival.

Municipality and Clubs

The organizer is the municipality of Lichtenau; locally, the clubs — fire department, sports club, music club, young men's association — organize the individual program items. This voluntary sponsorship is typical for Franconian Kirchweihen and defines its character: not a professional festival, but a folk and village festival that thrives on the commitment of the locals.