Langenzenner Kirchweih

Eight Days After Pentecost

The Langenzenner Kirchweih – or "Langenzenner Kärwa" for short – is one of the most important folk festivals in the Middle Franconian district of Fürth (Bavaria). Traditionally, it takes place eight days after Pentecost, starting on Friday and ending the following Tuesday. This follows a deeply rooted Franconian custom that ties the Kirchweih festival – originally a commemoration of the consecration of the parish church – to a specific date in early summer.

Venue: Prinzregentenplatz and Old Town

The festival grounds extend across the old town of Langenzenn, with the central Prinzregentenplatz as the heart of the Kärwa. Where cars usually drive, carousels, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and a chain carousel spin for five days. Marquees, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, sweet shops, and snack stands line the streets. The historic half-timbered houses of the old town – Langenzenn is located on the "Burgenstraße" (Castle Road) and has been a market and monastery town for centuries – provide a picturesque backdrop for the Franconian festivities.

The Kirchweihbaum and the Kärwaboum

The central symbol of every Franconian Kärwa is the Kirchweihbaum, a tall, debarked tree trunk decorated with colorful ribbons, wreaths, and sometimes a carved rooster at the top. Its traditional erection is carried out by the muscle power of the Kärwaboum and Kärwamadla – young men and women from the town who perform the "Betzentanz" around the tree in traditional Franconian attire. Whoever holds the "Betz" (a decorated doll) at the end of the dance is considered the Kärwakönig (fair king) or Kärwakönigin (fair queen) of the year.

Festival Parade and Program

The highlight is the Kirchweih parade, a colorful procession with traditional costume groups, music bands, clubs, and decorated floats winding through the old town. In the marquee, brass bands, oompah bands, and party music alternate on weekends. The opening ceremony features the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg by the mayor on Friday evening.

Franconian Specialties

The Kärwa cuisine is classically Franconian:

• Sausages from the charcoal grill with sauerkraut
• Schäuferla (pork shoulder) with dumplings and dark gravy
• Schlachtschüssel (butcher's platter) and Bauernente (farmer's duck)
• Franconian beer from Middle Franconian breweries
• Sweets, candied almonds, Magenbrot (gingerbread-like treat)

The Langenzenner Kirchweih is more than just a folk festival – it is living tradition and a source of identity for the small town between Fürth and Neustadt an der Aisch.