Kirmes Frankenholz

Saarland Fair Tradition in a Mining Village

Frankenholz, a district of the town of Bexbach in the Saarpfalz district, was once a classic mining village. The mine has long since closed, but the club culture remains, along with the fair date on the first weekend of September. Venue: the square in front of the Frankenholz community center.

Sunday and Monday

Like many smaller Saarland fairs, the one in Frankenholz follows the classic Sunday-Monday schedule: The fair opens at noon on Sunday, the carousels run, the stalls sell almonds and gingerbread hearts, and there's live music in the festival tent in the evening. Kirmes Monday is family day — reduced carousel prices, a cozy morning pint (Frühschoppen), and bratwurst from the clubs' grill.

Six Fairs, One Municipal Area

Bexbach consists of several districts, and each celebrates its own fair. This creates a festival calendar that spans half the year: Oberbexbach on the last weekend of July, Kleinottweiler in August, Frankenholz and Höchen in September, Bexbach-Mitte also in September, Niederbexbach in November. Anyone wanting to experience Saarland village life has plenty of opportunities between July and November.

Where the Celebration Takes Place

The square in front of the Frankenholz community center is centrally located in the village and is small enough to keep the fair manageable — and large enough for four to five carousels, a festival tent, and several food stalls. The atmosphere is familiar, and the beer is on tap.