Kirmes Holzappel

In many villages of the Westerwald and Lahn regions, the Kirmes (village fair) is the most important social event of the year. Holzappel is no exception. The Kirmesgesellschaft Holzappel (KGHolzappel) organizes the four-day festival with the voluntary commitment that keeps these rural traditions alive.

The venue is the village center. Here, the marquee is set up, forming the focal point of the four days. Amusement rides and food stalls around the marquee make it a classic folk festival with a family atmosphere.

The schedule follows the traditional pattern: Opening on Thursday or Friday evening, dance evenings with live bands or DJs, a morning pint (Frühschoppen) on Sunday morning, children's afternoon with reduced prices on rides, and the festival winding down on Monday or Tuesday with raffles and final concerts.

The Kirmesgesellschaft is composed of village youth and long-established families; many members have accompanied the festival since childhood as "Kirmesburschen" (fair lads) and "Kirmesmädels" (fair maids). Taking responsibility – setup, catering, program design – is part of the village socialization and ensures the continuity that characterizes such festivals.

For guests from surrounding villages and for former Holzappel residents returning for the Kirmes, the festival is an important meeting point – a "class reunion under the open sky".