Lochhewwel-Kerwe Mechtersheim

The Lochhewwel-Kerwe in Mechtersheim is a typical example of the strong identity connection of Palatinate Kerwen (Kirchweih/church consecration festivals) to their dialect and local history. The unusual name "Lochhewwel" comes from the Palatinate dialect and refers to the traditional nickname of the Mechtersheim inhabitants – an example of the humorous self-designation of small villages typical for the Palatinate.

Bands, Bar, and Burgundy Wine

The motto of the Kerwe – "Bands, Bar und Burgunder" – precisely captures the concept:

• Bands: Various bands from the region perform on each of the five festival days. Rock, pop, cover bands, Palatinate dialect music, and Schlager (popular music) alternate.
• Bar: A central bar in the town center offers cocktails, beer, Palatinate wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Burgunder: A special hallmark is the Burgundy wines from the Palatinate – Weißer Burgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauer Burgunder (Pinot Gris), and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) are among the most important Palatinate grape varieties and are served in a wide selection at the Lochhewwel-Kerwe.

Five Days of Festival Culture

The Kerwe classically extends from Friday to Tuesday and offers a dense program of live music, club stands, and festival atmosphere. Unlike the classic Palatinate Kerwen with a Kerwebaum (festival tree) and Kerwerede (festival speech), the Lochhewwel-Kerwe strongly focuses on the bar and concert concept – an independent festival format that moves between a classic Kerwe and a music festival.

Summer Heat and Sociability

Palatinate newspapers regularly report that the Lochhewwel-Kerwe is often celebrated in summer temperatures – "Celebrating in the Summer Heat" was the headline in the Rheinpfalz newspaper in earlier reports. The mix of an open-air stage, bar, and Palatinate summer culinary delights makes the festival a typical summer evening experience in the Vorderpfalz (Upper Palatinate).

Mechtersheim as a District of Römerberg

Mechtersheim, along with Berghausen and Heiligenstein, is one of the three districts of the municipality of Römerberg in the southern Rhein-Pfalz district. While Berghausen with "Rock im Kerschegaade" (early September) and Heiligenstein with its Kerwe (early June) maintain their own festival traditions, Mechtersheim takes its turn in August with the Lochhewwel-Kerwe. Thus, Römerberg offers three very different festival weekends spread throughout the summer.