Kirmes Könitz

Könitz — a district of Unterwellenborn in the Saale Valley

Könitz is a district of the municipality Unterwellenborn in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district in the state of Thuringia. The region on the middle reaches of the Saale is industrially shaped — the Maxhütte steelworks in Unterwellenborn was once the largest iron and steel producer in the GDR. Today, the region has developed into a residential area with a preserved village community, and the Kirmes is one of the most important social events of the year in Könitz.

Tradition of Kirmes — Customs in the Southern Thuringian Style

The Kirmes (Kirchweih, or church consecration festival) is one of the oldest forms of Volksfest in Thuringia — it dates back to the medieval consecration festival of the village church and has evolved over the centuries into a secular harvest and social festival. In Könitz, like in many Saale Valley towns, the Kirmes is celebrated on the first weekend of October: at the Könitz sports ground, with a festival tent, amusement rides, and a dance band.

Program and Atmosphere

From Friday to Sunday, the festival takes place at the sports ground. Opening with a beer tapping ceremony, a parade on Saturday afternoon, a dance evening with a live band, a morning pint with brass music on Sunday, and a family-friendly afternoon program. Bratwurst, regional beer, dumplings, and sweets characterize the culinary offerings.