Schnaittenbacher Vitus-Kirwa

A Kirwa for Saint Vitus

The Schnaittenbacher Vitus-Kirwa is the annual Kirchweih of the town of Schnaittenbach in the Amberg-Sulzbach district of Upper Palatinate. It is dedicated to Saint Vitus, whose feast day is celebrated on June 15th. Over four days around the weekend, the traditional Bavarian-Upper Palatinate folk festival custom is maintained in all its breadth.

The Kirwabaum as the Centrepiece

On Friday afternoon, the Kirwabaum is erected – a Maypole trunk up to 30 metres high, artfully decorated and raised under the eyes of the village community. On Monday evening, the auctioning of the Kirwabaum by the newly elected Oberkirwapaar (head Kirwa couple) traditionally follows.

Tree Dance with 28 Couples

The heart of the Kirwa is the Baumaustanzen (tree dance) on Sunday: Around 28 couples in traditional Upper Palatinate costume perform the traditional dances Sternpolka and Muhradl around the Kirwabaum. They rehearse for weeks under the guidance of Peter Fink. The performance is considered the cultural highlight of the entire season in the Amberg-Sulzbach district.

Four Days of Programme

The programme follows a well-rehearsed choreography: Friday Kirwabaum raising, Saturday fun run and live bands in the festival tent, Sunday festival service, concert, parade, lunch, and tree dance, Monday Frühschoppen with Weißwurst and brass music. The live music is provided by bands such as Rotzlöffl and D'Quertreiber.

Schnaittenbach in the Oberpfalz

Schnaittenbach is a small town with around 4,000 inhabitants in the Amberg-Sulzbach district in the state of Bavaria. The region is known for its kaolin pits (industrial history) and its deep-rooted Kirwa traditions – the Vitus-Kirwa is part of the Upper Palatinate Kirwa calendar.