Kirchweih Markt Bibart

Franconian Autumn Kirchweih

In the Franconian Steigerwald, the Kerwa — as Kirchweih is affectionately called in Franconia — is the most important festival week of the year. In Markt Bibart, a market town in the district of Neustadt an der Aisch-Bad Windsheim, it is traditionally celebrated at the end of October. For several days, local clubs shape the festival program: TSV, Volunteer Fire Brigade, Schützenverein 1880 Markt Bibart, the Garden and Flower Friends, and the FCN Fanclub provide catering and organize program points.

From Soft Opening to Schlachtschüsselessen

The kick-off is the Kerwa Soft Opening at TSV in the sports hall with pork knuckles, salt pork knuckles, bratwurst with sauerkraut, and draft beer. The following day, the Volunteer Fire Brigade serves the traditional Schlachtschüsselessen with a festive beer tapping, supplemented by street sales for those staying at home. The FCN Fanclub offers shashlik in the community center "Zum Storchen".

Schützenkönigsschießen and Kerwabaum

Saturday is dedicated to the marksmen: in the morning, rifle king's shooting competition, then Weißwurst breakfast at the Schützenverein, followed by the Schützenumzug with a brass band through the town. In the early afternoon, the Kerwaburschen erect the traditional Kirchweihbaum (festival tree) on the festival grounds — a central ritual of every Franconian Kerwa. Afterwards, refreshments are served at the Weizenhüttla.

Kerwagottesdienst and Kerwapredigt

The highlight is Kerwasonntag (Kirchweih Sunday): 10:30 AM Kerwagottesdienst in the parish church of St. Marien, followed by lunch hosted by the Garden and Flower Friends in the community center. In the afternoon, the Kerwaumzug of the Kerwaburschen takes place, followed by the Kerwapredigt — the traditional, often humorously exaggerated address to the village community, looking back at everything that has happened during the year. The event concludes on Monday with the Frühschoppen (morning pint) with the Kerwaburschen.

Markt Bibart in the Steigerwald

Markt Bibart is located in the northwest of the Franconian Steigerwald in Bavaria, about 30 km northwest of Nuremberg. The municipality, with around 2,000 inhabitants, preserves its market tradition and festival culture — from the spring Kirchweih at the Storchen inn to the grand autumn Kirchweih in October. A visit can be combined with hikes in the Steigerwald or a detour to Iphofen.