Pfingstkirchweih Pyrbaum

Pentecost as a Kirchweih Occasion

While most Upper Palatinate Kirwas fall between May and September, coinciding with the patron saint's feast day of the respective parish church, the Pyrbaum Kirwa is held on the Pentecost weekend. Pentecost — the Christian high festival celebrated 50 days after Easter — is considered the second-highest holiday of the church year and, in many rural regions of Bavaria, serves as a classic occasion for a Volksfest (folk festival). Pyrbaum has utilized this tradition for generations.

"Kerwaspaß made in Oberpfalz"

The slogan of the Pfingstkerwa Pyrbaum says it all programmatically: four days of authentic Upper Palatinate Kirchweih atmosphere. The Pyrbaumer Kirwaboum — the young men and women of the village in traditional costume — shape the program, erect the Kirwabaum, and perform traditional Upper Palatinate folk dances. Catering is provided by local clubs: draft beer, Schäuferla, Krautwickel (cabbage rolls), and Bratwurst (sausages).

Erecting the Kirwabaum — The Central Moment

As in every Upper Palatinate Kirwa, the erection of the Kirwabaum is the most spectacular moment. A tall, debarked spruce tree with a wreath and colorful ribbons at its top is raised through the collective effort and well-rehearsed choreography of the participants. Poles, ropes, and muscle power — a traditional spectacle that attracts families and tourists every year.

Pyrbaum in Southern Middle Franconia / Upper Palatinate

Pyrbaum is located in the border region between Middle Franconia and Upper Palatinate, in the district of Neumarkt in the Upper Palatinate, directly on the A 9 motorway (Nuremberg – Munich, Allersberg exit). The market town, with around 5,000 inhabitants, includes several districts (Seligenporten, Rengersricht) in addition to the main town. Despite its location in the greater Nuremberg area, Pyrbaum is a vibrant village with its own distinct club life — the Kirwa is the central element of identity in the festival year.

Pentecost Dates 2026

In 2026, Whit Sunday falls on May 24th. As experience shows, the Kirwa begins on the Friday before Pentecost (May 22nd), with the main Kirwa on Whit Sunday and the festival concluding on Whit Monday (May 25th). A four-day format.