Marnheimer Kerb

The Marnheimer Kerb – consistently without a final "we" in Palatinate dialect – is the big village festival of the municipality of Marnheim in the Donnersbergkreis. Marnheim is located at the entrance to Zellertal, the well-known wine region between Donnersberg and Rheinhessen, and belongs to the Göllheim association. The Kerb is traditionally celebrated on the second weekend in September.

Sports Field and Schützenhalle as Festival Locations

The main venue is the sports field of FC Marnheim, where the festival tent, cocktail bar, and stage are set up. The Schützenhalle serves as a covered alternative for the morning pint on Saturday morning and for individual program items. The Kerwe parade winds through the village streets, involving the entire community in the event.

FCM and Local Clubs

A pillar of the Kerb is FC Marnheim, which not only organizes catering but also plays a home game during the festival weekend. In addition, the shooting club, fire department, singing club, and other associations contribute with their own activities, stalls, or by organizing the parade. The proceeds from the Kerb traditionally benefit youth and club work.

Palatinate Kerwe Customs

As everywhere in the Palatinate, the Marnheimer Kerb has its own rituals: On Friday evening, the Kerb is opened with a keg tapping, and on the night before Saturday, the symbolic Kerwe excavation takes place – a humorous lifting or setting up of the Kerwepuppe (Kerwe doll) or Kerwebam (Kerwe tree). On Sunday, a Kerwerede (Kerwe speech) by the Kerweparrer (Kerwe priest) accompanies the parade, satirically commenting on the events of the village year. On Monday evening, the Kerb is finally "buried" or "burned".

Culinary Offerings

Palatinate wine, draft beer, Saumagen (stuffed pig's stomach), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), and fries characterize the culinary offerings. The cocktail bar, established in recent years, also attracts a younger audience and makes the Marnheimer Kerb known beyond the municipal borders.