Pantaleons-Kirmes Krefeld-Uerdingen

Pantaleons-Kirmes — almost 600 years of Lower Rhine tradition

The Pantaleons-Kirmes is one of the oldest documented folk festivals in Germany. It has been celebrated in the Krefeld district of Uerdingen around July 27, the feast day of Saint Pantaleon — patron saint of the city and physician saint — since the 15th century. In 2026, the Kirmes runs from July 19 to 23, almost 600 years after its beginnings.

Market square in front of the town hall

The small but charming Kirmes is strictly limited to the historic market square in front of the Uerdingen town hall. This compactness is intentional: instead of a large event on vast folk festival grounds, the Pantaleons-Kirmes preserves the charm of a classic, family-friendly town festival. 14 small and large rides are lined up around the market square: from the traditional chain carousel and classic children's carousels to the dodgem cars and smaller modern rides like the Twister and Hawaii Swing.

Stalls and snack stands

Classic Kirmes stalls provide the right atmosphere: roasting almonds, crêpe stands, bratwurst stands, candy sellers, shooting galleries, lottery stalls, and wheel of fortune stands. Beer gardens invite you to take a break at the corners of the market square — the summer evening in Uerdingen becomes a convivial meeting point.

Uerdingen — a district with its own history

The district of Uerdingen was an independent town on the Rhine until 1929, before being incorporated into Krefeld. With its historic market square, old town hall, Pantaleon Church, and striking harbor on the Rhine, it has retained its independent character. Uerdingen is also known for the Bayer works and the traditional football club KFC Uerdingen 05.

Saint Pantaleon — patron saint of the city

Saint Pantaleon was venerated as a Christian martyr saint in the late 3rd century in Nicomedia (modern-day Turkey). He is considered the patron saint of doctors and the city of Uerdingen. The Pantaleon Church and the annual Kirmes are his most visible traces in the cityscape. The date at the end of July traditionally corresponds to his feast day on July 27.

Krefeld — the velvet and silk city on the Lower Rhine

The independent city of Krefeld on the left bank of the Lower Rhine, with around 230,000 inhabitants, has a rich history as the "Velvet and Silk City". In the 18th and 19th centuries, Krefeld grew into one of Prussia's wealthiest cities through the silk trade. Even today, the textile heritage shapes the cityscape — from the German Textile Museum to the Krefeld Zoo. Alongside the large Krefeld Sprödentalkirmes, the Pantaleons-Kirmes in Uerdingen is one of the city's most important folk festivals.