Kirchweih Peter und Paul — Weidenberg (Untermarkt)

From Patron Saint's Day to Folk Tradition

The parish church of Weidenberg is dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul — hence the name of the Kerwa. The joint feast day of the two apostles is on June 29th in the Catholic calendar; from this, the custom developed in the village to celebrate the Kirchweih on the last Sunday in June, i.e., the Sunday closest to June 29th.

The »lindische Kerwa« — Why This Name?

The Kerwa owes its nickname to the mighty linden tree at the crossroads in the middle of the Untermarkt, the old market square of Weidenberg. For centuries, paths have converged here — and under the linden tree, the people of Weidenberg erect the traditional Kerwa tree, around which the festivities revolve. »Lindische« is the Franconian abbreviation for »Linden-Kerwa« (Linden Church Consecration Festival).

What is Celebrated

• Festival tent at the Untermarkt — Catering by local clubs, draft beer, Franconian sausages.
• Brass music — Bands from Weidenberg and the surrounding area take turns.
• Kirwabaum (Kerwa tree) — Erected on Saturday, guarded overnight.
• Festival service — Sunday morning in the Peter and Paul parish church.
• Procession — from the Obermarkt to the Untermarkt to open the Sunday festival.
• Carousels and stalls — small showmen, especially for the children.

In the Cycle of Weidenberg Festivals

Weidenberg, located in the Upper Franconian district of Bayreuth, has an exceptionally rich festival calendar: Walburgismarkt on the first Sunday in May, Kellernacht on the third Friday in July, Bürgerfest on the third Sunday in July, Kirchweih Michaeli on the last Sunday in September, Andreasmarkt on the first weekend of Advent — and in between, the Kerwas of the districts (Glotzdorf, Lessau, Untersteinach, Lankendorf, Mengersreuth, Lehen, Sophienthal, Görau, Görschnitz, Neunkirchen am Main, Stockau, Döhlau). The »lindische Kerwa« opens this summer cycle at the end of June.