Kirchweih Weihenzell

Kerwa in the Heart of Middle Franconia

The Kirchweih Weihenzell, known locally as »Weihenzeller Kerwa«, is one of the most traditional Kirchweihen in the Ansbach district (Bavaria). Every year on the fourth July weekend, the festival grounds of the municipality of Weihenzell transform into a Franconian festival mile. The festival tent, carousels, the Kirchweihbaum on the village square, and St. Jakob's Church in the background create the classic image of a Middle Franconian Kerwa.

Beer Tapping and Rural Youth

On Friday evening, the Weihenzell rural youth parade into the festival tent. The mayor performs the traditional beer tapping, after which the festival tent program with live music begins. The festival tent is run by the Rösch family, serving food and drinks: Franconian sausages, Schäufele (pork shoulder), roast pork, and vegetarian specialties. The shooting range is managed by the shooting club, and the Eichenberg primary school support association sells coffee and cake.

Kirchweihbaum Tradition

On Saturday afternoon, the raising of the Kirchweihbaum takes place. At 1:30 PM, the rural youth march through the village, and at 3:00 PM, the Kirchweihbaum is traditionally erected on the village square using muscle power – a central moment of Franconian Kerwa customs. In the evening, bands like the Rothsee Musikanten or the Hettstädter Musikanten play for dancing.

Festival Sunday with Church Service

Sunday begins at 10:15 AM with the festive Kirchweih church service in the Protestant St. Jakob's Church, musically accompanied by the brass band. Afterwards, a lunch is served in the festival tent. In the afternoon, rural youth games are on the program, and the senior citizens' afternoon concludes the festival day.

Morning Pint on Monday

Monday features the traditional morning pint (Frühschoppen) with brass music, and later the band Pipeline plays in the festival tent. The Kirchweih festivities continue until late in the evening before the carousels are dismantled. For four days, Weihenzell is thus the social center of the Middle Franconian Kirchweih season.