Luher Martini-Kirwa

Upper Palatinate Kirwa Tradition around Martini

The Luher Martini-Kirwa is a highlight of Upper Palatinate Kirwa culture. Unlike Franconian Kirchweihen, which mostly take place in summer and autumn, the Upper Palatinate Kirwa is celebrated in autumn around St. Martin's Day (November 11th) – hence the name Martini-Kirwa. Luhe-Wildenau is a market town in the Upper Palatinate district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab (Bavaria), located on the Waldnaab river and the A93 motorway. The Kirwa is one of the most important social events in the market town and attracts visitors from far beyond its borders.

The 1000-Person Festival Tent

In contrast to smaller village festivals, the Luher Martini-Kirwa takes place in a large festival tent with 1000 seats. The tent is set up on the festival grounds and is the venue for all Kirwa program items. For a community of around 2,800 inhabitants, this is a remarkable scale – it shows that the Luher Kirwa also attracts visitors from neighboring communities (Wernberg-Köblitz, Pfreimd, Vohenstrauß) and the wider region.

Program – Three Days of Traditional Customs

The program follows the Upper Palatinate Kirwa format. Kirwafreitag (Kirwa Friday) 8:00 PM: Rotzlöffel-Tanz – a classic opening dance with the Kirwa couples. Kirwasamstag (Kirwa Saturday) 6:00 PM: Church service, followed by Grogotz Weißbier in the festival tent with catering and dance music. Kirwasonntag (Kirwa Sunday): the core customs with Kirwamoidler-Abholen (the Kirwa boys fetch the Kirwa maids) and Baumaustanzen – a dance around the Kirwa tree, which marks the end of the festival week.

What is a "Goass-Kirwa"?

The nickname Goass-Kirwa ("Goat Kirwa") refers to the traditional Goass-Tanz, an Upper Palatinate folk dance where the dancers imitate the movements of a goat. Those who want to watch the Goass-Tanz have one of the best venues in Luhe. The dance is usually performed on Kirwa Sunday, often as the highlight in the festival tent.

Moderate Admission Prices – The Luher Tradition

The moderate admission policy is noteworthy: €3 in advance, €5 at the door. This pricing structure is significantly cheaper than at many other festival tent events and reflects the Volksfest tradition: the Kirwa should remain affordable for all citizens of the market town. Catering in the festival tent: Upper Palatinate specialties such as Schäuferl (pork shoulder), Goaßlbier (goat beer), Bratwürste (sausages), Knödel (dumplings). The proceeds benefit local associations.