Kirmes Rappershausen

Village Fair in the Rhön

The Kirmes Rappershausen is the annual Kirchweih (fair) of the Rappershausen district, which belongs to the municipality of Hendungen in the Lower Franconian district of Rhön-Grabfeld. It is always celebrated on the second weekend of October and organized by the Rappershausen e.V. community association. In rural Franconian life, the Kirmes (locally also "Kermes") is much more than just a market day – it is an expression of the village community.

Krautkermes, Kirmestanz, and Kirmesessen

The festival sequence follows a traditional triad: On Friday, the Krautkermes with regional cuisine opens the festival from 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Kirmestanz with music in the festival hall follows from 8 p.m. The highlight is Sunday with the communal Kirmesessen starting at 11:30 a.m., the humorous Kirmespredigt (fair sermon), and further festivities. The central venue is the village community center.

Customs on the Bavarian-Thuringian Border

Rappershausen is located in the Grabfeld, a scenically attractive region on the border of Bavaria and Thuringia on the edge of the Rhön. The Kirmespredigt – a satirical review of village events – is a typical element of Franconian Kirchweihen and provides much amusement. The festival is supported by the voluntary commitment of the local associations.

A Fixed Date in the Village Year

For Rappershausen and the municipality of Hendungen, the Kirmes is one of the social highlights of the year. It combines religious tradition, regional cuisine, and dancing into a weekend that brings together locals and former villagers and makes the identity of the small town in the Rhön visible.