Kirchweih Winkelhaid

Kärwa — the Franconian Kirchweih

The term »Kärwa« is the Middle Franconian dialect form of »Kirchweih« and refers to the patronal festival of a parish church. In Winkelhaid, the Kärwa is traditionally celebrated in July. Unlike in Bavaria and Swabia, where the »Kirchweih« is often a Sunday event, the Franconian Kärwa typically lasts from Friday to Monday — four full days of festivities.

The Dancing of the Kärwabaum

The highlight is the »Austanzen des Kärwabaums«: a highly decorated, maypole-like tree is decorated with ribbons, and the Kärwabuam and Kärwamadla — young unmarried men and women — dance around the tree in several rounds. A whistle is used to stop; whoever holds the bouquet of flowers (Strauss) when the whistle blows is the Kärwa King or Kärwa Queen. This tradition has been consciously revitalized in Winkelhaid in recent years and is now a hallmark of the Kärwa.

Amusement Rides and Gastronomy

Throughout the four festival days, numerous amusement rides are available for families — carousels, shooting galleries, bratwurst stands, crêpe stands, and much more. Beer is traditionally served by Franconian breweries, with Franconian bratwurst and Schäuferla as culinary specialties.

Winkelhaid and the Nürnberger Land

Winkelhaid is located in the Nürnberger Land district, about 20 km east of Nuremberg. In addition to Winkelhaid, the municipality includes the districts of Penzenhofen and other hamlets, some of which celebrate their own Kirchweihen. The Winkelhaid Kärwa is the central and largest in the municipality.