Kirwa Reichenschwand

Church Consecration Festival in the Pegnitz Valley

The Kirwa Reichenschwand is one of the better-known Kirchweihen in the Central Franconian district of Nürnberger Land. Reichenschwand, a municipality with around 2,000 inhabitants between Hersbruck and Lauf in the picturesque Pegnitz Valley, cultivates a lively piece of Franconian traditional culture with the Kirchweihverein Reichenschwand e.V.

Kirchweihverein and Tradition

The Kirchweihverein Reichenschwand e.V. was founded in January 2011 and has around 170 members. Its goal: to preserve the traditional Franconian Kirchweih in Reichenschwand and pass it on to the younger generation. Successful Kirwa events were revived in 2021 and 2023 after pandemic-related interruptions. The festival is scheduled in its continuously grown form in July 2026.

Kirwabuam, Kirwamadla, Kirwabaum

As with every Franconian Kirwa, the Kirwabuam and Kirwamadla are at the center. Prerequisites for participation: at least 16 years old, single, participation in the preparatory Kirwa meeting. The young men and women erect the Kirwabaum – a tree trunk decorated with colorful ribbons – dance the traditional Kirwa dances, and shape the image of the Kirwa with their traditional costumes and festivities. A festival tent, Franconian specialties, and music characterize the weekend.

Key Facts

• Organizing association: Kirchweihverein Reichenschwand e.V. (founded 2011, 170 members)
• Last weekend of July, Thursday to Monday
• Festival grounds Reichenschwand
• Erection of the Kirwabaum by the Kirwabuam
• Festival tent with Franconian catering
• Music, dancing, traditional costumes
• Free admission

The state of Bavaria and the administrative district of Middle Franconia are one of the most densely populated Kirchweih regions in Germany. In the Nürnberger Land district alone, there are dozens of village-specific Kirwas per year. The Kirwa Reichenschwand joins this tradition and offers an authentic insight into Franconian festival culture beyond the major city festivals.