Otterstadt Kerwe (Stickelspitzer-Kerwe)

The Otterstadt Kerwe, also known as the "Stickelspitzer-Kerwe" due to its traditional dialect nickname, is the annual church fair of the community of Otterstadt. It is traditionally held on the last weekend of September, in 2026 from September 25 to 27. With over 1,000 years of history, Otterstadt is one of the oldest settlements in the Vorderpfalz region and possesses a strong local identity, proudly reflected in the playful self-designation "Stickelspitzer".

The name "Stickelspitzer"

The nickname "Stickelspitzer" originates from the Palatinate dialect and refers to the traditional name for the residents of Otterstadt. In the local dialect, a "Stickel" is a stake, post, or sharpened wooden slat. "Stickelspitzer" can be loosely translated as "stake-sharpeners" – a reference to old professions or typical tasks in the village, perhaps the sharpening of vineyard or fence posts. Such "teasing names" for neighboring villages are typical in the Palatinate and express a tradition of humorous self-deprecation.

Palatinate Kerwe Tradition

The Stickelspitzer-Kerwe upholds the classic Palatinate church fair tradition with a festival tent, local club stalls, a festival tree, a parade, a church service, and a traditional morning pint. The program for each year is published by the municipality on meinotterstadt.de.

1,000 Years of Otterstadt

Otterstadt was first mentioned in documents in 1014, looking back on a particularly long history; the community celebrated its millennium in 2021. The Stickelspitzer-Kerwe is an integral part of this long cultural heritage.

Otterstadt in the Rheinauen Municipality

Otterstadt is part of the Rheinauen association of municipalities, alongside Altrip, Neuhofen, and Waldsee. With around 3,600 inhabitants, it is one of the smaller communities in the region, which gives the Kerwe its intimate, family-friendly character.