St. Marienkirmes Reisbach

End of the Saarwellingen Fairs Season

The St. Marienkirmes Reisbach is one of the three patronal fairs of the municipality of Saarwellingen in the Saarlouis district – and the traditional season finale. Saarwellingen and Schwarzenholz celebrate in the summer, followed by Reisbach in September. The event is organized by the Bürgerverein Reisbach (Reisbach Civic Association) in cooperation with the Catholic parish of St. Marien. The venue is the central festival grounds in the village center.

The Kirwenhannes Tradition

The distinctive element of the Reisbach fair is the Kirwenhannes – a life-sized straw doll, handcrafted anew each year by the associations. The ritual is deeply rooted in Saarland village tradition:

• Saturday, 6:30 PM – Ceremonial welcome of the Kirwenhannes on the festival grounds. The mayor or an association representative stages the arrival; the Kirwenhannes is hoisted on a pole or set up.
• During the fair – The Kirwenhannes "observes" the entire festival proceedings, "experiences" the misdeeds of the Reisbach residents.
• Last day of the festival, 6:30 PM – Grand Kirwenhannes Trial: A humorous court hearing in which the straw doll is accused and "convicted" for the misdeeds of the festival year. Afterwards, it is usually burned or symbolically buried – the fair is officially over.

This tradition is a humorous form of self-reflection for a village community, embedded in the Catholic patronal festival.

Patronal Festival and Festival Mass

On Sunday morning, a festive service takes place in the parish church of St. Marien Reisbach – the religious core of the patronal festival. The mass is often accompanied by the local choir and the music association. After the service, everyone proceeds together to the festival grounds for the "Frühschoppen" (morning pint).

Festival Tent and Catering

The Bürgerverein Reisbach operates the large festival tent itself. Food: Saarland classics (Schwenker, Lyoner, Bratwurst), soups, coffee and cake on Sunday afternoon. Local beer and wine. The associations are closely involved, which creates a family atmosphere.

Amusement Rides for Families

The festival grounds feature carousels, swing rides, shooting galleries, and candy stalls. The scale is smaller than at the large Saarland folk festivals – ideal for families with younger children who prefer a manageable setting.

Saarwellingen and Reisbach

Saarwellingen is a municipality in the Saar valley between Saarlouis and Lebach. It consists of several districts, with Reisbach being one of the central ones, having about 3,000 inhabitants. The active club life and Catholic tradition shape its character – the St. Marienkirmes is the most visible example.

Who Should Visit

Anyone who wants to experience an authentic Saarland patronal fair with a lively straw doll tradition will be right at home here. Those who witness the Kirwenhannes trial will suddenly understand how deeply folk theatre and village culture are rooted in the Saarland.