Ungsteiner Kerwe

Kerwe — the heart of Palatinate village life

The Kerwe — the Kirchweih — is the highlight of the year in Palatinate village life. It dates back to the patron saint's day of the local church and is today much more than a religious festival: it is a community celebration, a winemakers' stage, a meeting point for those returning home, and an occasion for all the customs that have evolved around the Kirchweih over the centuries. In Ungstein, in the heart of the Mittelhaardt, this tradition is lovingly maintained — with wine, hearty cuisine, and lots of music.

Wine from Weilberg and Honigsäckel

The Ungstein wineries serve their wines at several stalls: dry Rieslings from Weilberg, fruity Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Palatinate Sekt (sparkling wine). Schorlen — the Palatinate's favorite spritzer made from Riesling and mineral water — are also naturally part of the offering. Those who wish can be recommended from one Schoppen (a large glass of wine) to the next, thus getting to know the breadth of Ungstein's wine culture.

Kerwe customs and Kerweredd

Palatinate Kerwe includes fixed rituals: the Kerwebaum (Kerwe tree) is erected, the 'Kerweborscht' (Kerwe's 'mayor') and his 'Kerweborschten' (his female companions) lead through the program, and on Kerwe Saturday or Sunday, the 'Kerweredd' is held — a humorous speech delivered in Palatinate dialect about the small and large events of the village year. These customs make the Kerwe more than just a wine festival: they are living folk culture and a reaffirmation of the village community.

Frühschoppen, dancing, and Kerwemontag

On Kerwe Sunday, locals and guests gather for the Frühschoppen, often accompanied by brass music or a traditional costume band. In the evening, dance music plays on the stage in the village center. Kerwemontag (Kerwe Monday) — traditionally the 'blue Monday' in the Palatinate — is considered by many to be the most beautiful day: less hustle and bustle, more time for conversations, a cozy end in the late evening.