Kirchweih Markt Einersheim

One of the most traditional Kirchweihen in Franconia

The Kirchweih Markt Einersheim is always celebrated on the third weekend of September and lasts for four to five days. The Lower Franconian market community in the Kitzingen district, located in the heart of the Franconian Wine Country, thus preserves one of the oldest Kirchweih customs in the region. The event is organized by the municipality of Markt Einersheim together with local clubs.

The historical procession before the castle

The centerpiece of the Kirchweih is the procession of the Gräflicher Schützenverein (Count's Shooting Club) and the historical Burschenschaft. On Kirchweih Monday (1 p.m.) and Tuesday (12:30 p.m.), they parade with the local clubs before the castle to pay homage. Historically, this was a muster of the able-bodied young men by the regional rulers, the Counts of Limpurg-Speckfeld; shooting regulations are documented as far back as 1759. Since 1974, the homage has been paid to the mayor and the municipal council.

Lantern procession, brass band music, and dancing

The Kirchweih opens on Saturday at 7 p.m. with a lantern procession from the school to the festival grounds, followed by the beer tapping ceremony. On the festival days, festive church services (Sunday and Monday), brass band music, and dancing in the festival grounds characterize the events. On Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m., the Bürgerschießen (citizens' shooting competition) and a raffle take place.

Custom after the harvest

The Kirchweih combines the church's patronal feast day with secular festivities. After the strenuous harvest season, it traditionally offered an occasion for "a joyful festival with dancing, games, singing, food, and drink." To this day, it is an expression of the strong village community and makes Markt Einersheim a vibrant center of the Franconian Wine Country for a few days.