Schönauer Kerwe

Schönau in the Dahner Felsenland

Schönau is a small community in the southern Dahner Felsenland, nestled in the spectacular sandstone landscape of the Wasgau, near the French border. Despite its manageable population, the village maintains an active club culture, whose annual highlights are the Schönauer Kerwe in September and the regionally renowned Michaelismarkt in early October.

Kerwe as a Palatinate Core Tradition

The Kerwe (Kirchweih) is one of the central folk festivals of the Palatinate. Originally a commemoration of the consecration day of the village church, it has developed into a multi-day folk festival that mobilizes the entire village community. Most Palatinate Kerwen follow a similar structure: opening on Friday, main festival day with dancing on Saturday, Frühschoppen and Kerwe parade on Sunday, and a convivial closing on Monday. The Schönauer Kerwe follows this classic structure.

Kerweredd – The Heart of the Palatinate Kerwe

A true Palatinate Kerwe is incomplete without the Kerweredd. The Kerweredd is a humorous and satirical festival speech in Palatinate dialect, held on Sunday after the Frühschoppen. It takes aim at the events of the past village year – the mayor, club chairmen, mishaps, scandals, and romances are processed with often sharp, sometimes biting wit. A tradition that the Palatinate cultivates like nowhere else.

Club Life and Catering

Like all Palatinate Kerwen, the Schönauer Kerwe is supported by local clubs. The fire department, sports club, music club – each has its role. The catering follows Palatinate tradition: Saumagen (pig's stomach stuffed with pork, potatoes, and spices), Leberknödel (liver dumplings), Bratwurst (fried sausage), Flammkuchen (a type of flatbread), Wurstsalat (sausage salad), Palatinate wine, draft beer. The proceeds flow back into the clubs' activities.

Kick-off to the Michaelismarkt

The Schönauer Kerwe is not isolated – it is part of Schönau's dense autumn calendar. Three weeks later (on October 11th, 2026), the famous Michaelismarkt follows, one of the largest farmers' and craft markets in the region. The Kerwe thus also serves as the kick-off to Schönau's autumn season.