Kirwa Plech – Plech Kirchweih

Plech – Gateway to the Franconian Switzerland

Plech is a market town in the district of Bayreuth, located on the plateau between the Franconian Jura and the Franconian Switzerland, on the A 9 motorway between Bayreuth and Nuremberg. The approximately 1,400 inhabitants maintain a vibrant club life – at the heart of which is the annual Kirwa.

Franconian Kirchweih in its Purest Form

The Kirwa Plech is the largest festival in the municipality. It traditionally takes place on the last weekend of August and follows a set choreography that has been maintained in Franconian villages for generations:

Customs: Kirwa Tree and Tree Dance

The highlight is the raising of the Kirwa tree on Saturday afternoon in Schulstraße. Before that, the Kirwa-Burschen and Kirwa-Madli in traditional costume parade through the town to invite residents. On Sunday evening, the second highlight takes place: the traditional tree dance at the fire station, where the Kerwa couples compete to 'dance off' the Kirwa tree – whoever holds the bouquet on the tree when the music stops wins the Kerwa dance couple of the year.

Festival Atmosphere on the Market Square

From Friday to Monday, there is a festival tent with live music on the market square. Different bands alternate in the evenings; during the day, Frühschoppen with brass music creates the right atmosphere. Food is served with classic Franconian specialties – Bratwurst, Schäufele (pork shoulder), Klöße (dumplings), and of course, Franconian beer.

A Club That Carries on Tradition

Behind the Kirwa Plech is the Kirwa Plech e.V., which organizes the custom as a non-profit association. With members from Plech and the surrounding area, it ensures the passing on of the Franconian Kirchweih tradition to the next generation – an important contribution at a time when many small village Kirchweihen are suffering from a lack of young people.