Kirchweih Oberelsbach (Jahr- und Taubenmarkt)

A Market Tradition Since 1726

The Kirchweih Oberelsbach with its annual and pigeon market is one of the most traditional markets in the Rhön. The market rights were granted to the village of Oberelsbach on June 13, 1726, by the Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, Christoph Franz von Hutten — a privilege that the market town proudly maintains to this day.

Annual and Pigeon Market during Kirchweih

The Kirchweih traditionally falls on the Sunday before Martini (November 11). In 2026, this will be November 8. On this day, the Kirchweih festivities are combined with an annual and pigeon market: Market stalls offer goods of all kinds, and the pigeon market recalls the old tradition of livestock and poultry trading, which was once a central component of such markets.

Nine Market Days a Year

The Kirchweih is just one of nine traditional market days that Oberelsbach hosts throughout the year — including annual and pigeon markets at Lichtmess, Lätare, Kiliani, and in December, a farmers' market on the first Sunday in October, and a large annual market with a traditional costume festival on Cantate Sunday. This dense market calendar is characteristic of the region's vibrant tradition.

Oberelsbach in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve

The market town of Oberelsbach is located in the Rhön-Grabfeld district, right in the middle of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve. With its event hall, market square, and market street, the town has the ideal infrastructure for its traditional markets, which offer people a welcome change and an opportunity for social interaction.