Redwitzer Kirchweih

Redwitz an der Rodach — Kirchweih Capital on the Upper Main

Redwitz a.d. Rodach is a market town with around 3,300 inhabitants in the Upper Franconian district of Lichtenfels, located directly on the Rodach river, not far from its confluence with the Main. The municipality belongs to the Upper Main-Jura region and looks back on a long tradition as a place shaped by crafts and clubs. The highlight of club life is the Redwitzer Kirchweih every year at the end of August / beginning of September — an event that far exceeds what a community of this size can normally manage in terms of scale and significance.

Ten Clubs, One Kerwa

The special feature of the Redwitzer Kirchweih is its organizational structure: Ten local clubs — from the volunteer fire department to sports and shooting clubs, as well as music and traditional customs clubs — form a sponsoring community and organize the festival together. Each club takes on a specific area of responsibility (festival tent, catering, setup, program design), and the proceeds are reinvested proportionally in the club's activities. This structure is considered a prime example of united commitment on the Upper Main and ensures the festival's continuity across generations.

Krenessen, Beer Tapping, and Hühnerkerwa — Franconian Rituals

The Kirchweih traditionally begins with Krenessen: a communal meal featuring creamed horseradish ("Kren") as an Upper Franconian specialty, served with bread and cold cuts. This is followed by the beer tapping ceremony, which officially opens the Kirchweih — usually on Friday evening under the festival tent. Throughout the weekend, there are festival evenings with live music, a beer tent atmosphere, and market activities. The grand finale on Tuesday afternoon is the "Hühnerkerwa": a cheerful closing festival with grilled chicken, a cozy get-together of the clubs, and the traditional burying of the Kerwabaum (Kirchweih pole). This marks the end of a festival week that has kept the entire village buzzing.

Kerwa Season on the Upper Main

The Redwitzer Kirchweih is part of the Upper Franconian Kerwa season, which characterizes numerous villages and market towns on the Upper Main in late summer and early autumn. Anyone wanting to experience authentic Franconian traditions — organized by clubs, without commercialization, with genuine regional specialties — will find one of the best opportunities in Redwitz. The event is announced on the municipal website and through local clubs; specific dates for 2026 are traditionally officially confirmed a few weeks in advance.