Kirmes Oberthal

Four Days of Kirmes in the Bohnental Valley

The Kirmes Oberthal is a fixed fixture in the September calendar for the municipality of Oberthal in the Sankt Wendel district. Like many village fairs in the Saarland, it spans an extended weekend — from Friday to Monday — and combines a traditional marquee with travelling showmen. The municipality of Oberthal coordinates the program together with the Freundeskreis Kultur in Oberthal e.V. (Friends of Culture in Oberthal Association), which supports the local cultural events.

Marquee with Live Music

The marquee at the festival grounds in the centre of Oberthal is the hub of the fair days. On Friday evening, it traditionally hosts the ceremonial keg tapping — with the mayor, local district administrator, and a regional band. Various bands perform over the weekend: often regional cover bands, Schlager singers, and on Sunday, a traditional brass band. Monday is dedicated to the family afternoon with reduced prices for rides.

Showmen and Family Program

Travelling showmen bring the classic Saarland mix of fairground attractions: dodgems, chain carousel, children's rides, shooting gallery, sweet and snack stalls. The Monday afternoon is particularly interesting for families with small children. Culinary offerings are spread throughout the four days — bratwurst, potato pancakes (Reibekuchen), Lyoner pan, fries, and of course, draught beer.

Sunday Morning with Frühschoppen

The traditional highlight of many Saarland fairs is the Sunday morning 'Frühschoppen' (morning pint) — and Oberthal is no exception. After the Sunday church service in the parish church, the locals gather in the marquee for a Frühschoppen, a morning pint of beer, and musical accompaniment. A tradition that has shaped the convivial village life of the Bohnental valley for generations.

Oberthal and the Bohnental Valley

The municipality of Oberthal, with its districts of Steinberg-Deckenhardt, Gronig, Güdesweiler, and Osenbach, is located in the north of Saarland in the Sankt Wendel district. Nestled in the picturesque Bohnental valley, Oberthal is one of the rural municipalities in Saarland with a vibrant club structure. The Kirmes is one of several festivals throughout the year — alongside the Maypole raising, the Kirchweih (church consecration festival) days in the districts, and the Christmas market.