Kirchweih Uttenreuth (Uttenreuther Kerwa)

Uttenreuther Kerwa — Middle Franconia in Kirchweih Mode

When the horsepower of the brewery horses arrives at the end of September and the 'Kirchweihburschen' (young men organizing the festival) parade their freshly cut 'Kerwabaum' (festival tree) through the village, it's time for the Uttenreuther Kerwa. The municipality of Uttenreuth, about 10 km east of Erlangen, belongs to the Uttenreuth administrative district and is located in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district — one of Bavaria's districts with the highest density of Kerwa festivals.

Uttenreuth in the Erlangen-Höchstadt District

With just under 6,000 inhabitants, Uttenreuth is one of the larger municipalities in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district in the state of Bavaria. Its location between the metropolises of Erlangen and Nuremberg ensures that the Kerwa is not just a village festival but attracts many guests from the Middle Franconian commuter belt — making the Kerwa one of the larger folk festival Kerwas in the district.

The 'Kirchweihburschen' — Heart and Organization

Behind the event stands the association of the Kirchweihburschen Uttenreuth, a traditional 'Burschenschaft' that works towards the festival all year round: searching for the tree, setting it up, dancing with the 'Kärwapaare' (festival couples), the parade. The dates — from 'Rumspielen' (pre-festival revelry) and 'Frühschoppen am Berg' (morning pint on the hill) to the main Kerwa — are communicated on kerwa.info.

Program Structure of a Franconian Kerwa

The schedule follows Middle Franconian tradition:

• Friday — 'Kesselfleisch-Frühschoppen' (pork stew morning pint), beer tapping by the mayor, festival opening in the tent
• Saturday — Raising of the 'Kerwabaum' by the 'Burschen', followed by dancing with a live band in the festival tent
• Sunday — Festival service, grand parade, dancing of the 'Kärwapaare', amusement mile in full swing
• Monday — 'Frühschoppen', Kerwa winding down, raffle, and 'Kehraus' (final party)

Amusement Mile on Sägmüllerstraße

In classic Franconian style, the festival tent and amusement rides are spatially separated: The festival tent is located at the 'Festplatz am Schlössla', while the amusement mile with the 'Schiffschaukel' (swing boat ride), carousels, lottery stalls, and candy stands runs along Sägmüllerstraße. This makes the Kerwa attractive even for families with small children — and distinguishes it from folk festivals aimed solely at adults.