Kirchweih Velden (Pegnitz)

Franconian Kirwa Tradition

The Veldner Kirwa is one of the most vibrant examples of Franconian Kirchweih tradition (Kirwa, Kerwa, Kerb). Unlike the Bavarian Wiesn, the Kirwa is more deeply rooted in village life — organized by a Kirwa association of young lads and girls who put on the festival, wear traditional costumes, and perform the traditional dance and custom rituals. In Velden, the Kirwaboum Velden e.V. takes on this role.

Kirwa Program

The festival opens on Friday evening with the raising of the Kirwabaum in the market square — a tall, decorated spruce with colorful ribbons and coats of arms. This is followed by the festive ringing of bells, the beer tapping ceremony, and the first dance evening. On Saturday and Sunday, the focus is on Frühschoppen, parades, costume competitions, and the traditional Kirwa dance by the lads and girls. On Monday — the «Schoorbomtag» — the Kirwabaum is taken down again, and the Kirwa officially ends.

Velden on the Pegnitz

Velden is a small town with about 1,600 inhabitants in the Nürnberger Land district in Middle Franconia (State of Bavaria). It is located in the picturesque Pegnitz Valley, where the Pegnitz river flows from the Franconian Jura towards Nuremberg. The historic market scene with half-timbered houses and the former castle complex provides an ideal setting for the Kirwa. Velden belongs to the cultural region of the Franconian Switzerland and the Hersbruck Alb.

Kirwaboum Velden e.V.

The association Kirwaboum Velden e.V. is the organizer of the festival. Its members — young men from Velden and the surrounding villages — preserve traditional costumes, dances, and customs. Each year, a new Kirwa Father is appointed to lead the festival. The association is part of the supra-regional network of Franconian Kirchweihen and regularly publishes performances and videos on traditional costumes and dances on Facebook and Instagram.