Musikkerwa Weilersbach

A Kirchweih for the New Church

The Musikkerwa originated in 1979 on the occasion of the consecration of the new St. Anna Church in Weilersbach. Since then, the Musikverein Weilersbach has celebrated its own Kirchweih festival on Pentecost, which has become an integral part of the festival calendar of Franconian Switzerland in the Forchheim district. Weilersbach is considered the Franconian village with three Kirchweihen per year – the Musikkerwa is one of the most popular.

Pentecost Monday Tradition

The highlight of the weekend is Whit Monday. The festival service in the marquee begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Musikverein's Weißwurst breakfast with brass music from the Kirchenbirkig music band. In the afternoon at 4 p.m., the Betzenaustanzen takes place – a traditional Franconian custom where the Kerwaboum and -madla dance in several rounds around the symbolic Betzen (a ram or rooster). The Musikverein Pinzberg provides dance music in the marquee in the evening.

Musikverein Weilersbach

The Musikverein Weilersbach e.V. is the organizer and main actor of the festival. The brass band comprises around 40 active musicians and performs with the youth band at numerous events in the region. The club restaurant and the festival tent are managed by the members themselves – a typical feature of Upper Franconian club culture.

Pentecost Weekend in Franconian Switzerland

The Musikkerwa coincides with the Pentecost weekend, one of the busiest tourist times in Franconian Switzerland. Those who are already planning hiking trips, climbing tours, or brewery hikes in the region can easily incorporate the festival.