Kirchweih Obertrubach (Kerwa)

Franconian Kerwa in the Trubachtal Valley

The Kirchweih Obertrubach – "Kerwa" in the Franconian dialect – is a traditional village festival in the Trubachtal valley of the Franconian Switzerland. Kirchweihen date back to the consecration of the church; each church is dedicated to a patron saint, and the festival is celebrated on their feast day. Historically, Obertrubach even celebrated three Kirchweihen per year.

The Kirchweihbaum and its Customs

On Kerwa Saturday, the village youth goes into the forest to fetch the Kirchweihbaum, which is brought to the festival grounds with music and singing and erected vertically using the traditional "Schwalben" technique. Sunday's highlight is a festive church service followed by a celebration in the tent with live music, grilled food, and entertainment. Monday features the "Ausgetanzt": the youth dance around the tree, sing improvised verses, and pass a bouquet of flowers from couple to couple – whoever holds it when the alarm clock rings wins the tree.

Nestled in the Trubachtal Kerwa Cycle

Obertrubach celebrates on the second weekend of August – as part of a whole series of Kirchweihen in the Trubachtal valley, stretching from Egloffstein in June through Untertrubach and Bärnfels to Affalterthal in October. The festivals are supported by local associations that keep the traditions alive.

Obertrubach – Forchheim District

Obertrubach is located in the Forchheim district in the Bavarian administrative region of Upper Franconia, right in the scenic Trubachtal valley of the Franconian Switzerland. Here, the Kerwa is not a tourist spectacle but genuine, living Franconian tradition.