Kirmes Buttlar (Fränkische Kirchweih)

Fränkische Kirchweih — a cross-border tradition

The Fränkische Kirchweih (also called "Kerwa" or "Kirmes") is one of the most vibrant folk festival formats in Central Germany. It originally comes from Franconia (Bavaria) and has become firmly established over the centuries in the Franconian-influenced border areas of Thuringia and Hesse. Buttlar — located at the tri-border area of Thuringia-Hesse-Bavaria — is one of the villages that proudly upholds this tradition. The Kirmesgesellschaft Buttlar is part of the supra-regional network "Fränkische Kirchweih".

Buttlar — a Werra village in the Wartburgkreis

Buttlar is located in the south of the Wartburgkreis district in the state of Thuringia, on the Werra river and near the Hessian state border. The municipality, with around 1,200 inhabitants, is predominantly agricultural and culturally strongly connected to Franconia — which is reflected in its dialect, cuisine, and festival traditions. Besides the Maypole setting and the miners' festival in neighboring towns, the Kirchweih is the biggest festival of the year.

Four days of festivities with parade and dance

From Friday to Monday, the festival takes place on the Kirmesplatz in Karl-Winter-Straße. It traditionally opens on Friday evening with the tapping of the beer keg by the mayor and the Kirmesgesellschaft. The highlight is the parade on Sunday through the village with floats, traditional costume groups, a brass band, and the Kirmesgesellschaft in Franconian attire. On Monday — "Kerwesmontag" — the festival concludes with the setting up of the Kirchweihbaum (festival tree) and the hiding game of the Kerwes-Burschen (festival lads).

Franconian cuisine and music

Culinary delights are dominated by Franconian specialties: bratwurst from a charcoal grill, Schäufele (pork shoulder) with dumplings, Franconian sauerkraut, and beer from the surrounding Rhön breweries. Musically, live bands from the region provide the atmosphere — from a brass orchestra on Sunday to a dance band on Saturday evening.