Waderner Laurentius-Kirmes

Patron Saint's Fair for St. Lawrence

The Waderner Laurentius-Kirmes is celebrated every year around St. Lawrence's Day (August 10th) — the Catholic feast day of St. Lawrence, who is also the patron saint of the town of Wadern and its parish. The patron saint's festival has a long tradition in Wadern, dating back to the town's medieval history. The venue is the central market square with the adjacent streets of the town centre.

Wadern in the Saarschleifenland

With around 16,000 inhabitants, Wadern is the administrative seat and one of the main towns in the Merzig-Wadern district. The town lies on the northern edge of Saarland, at the transition to the Schwarzwälder Hochwald. The region is marketed as "Saarschleifenland" — due to its proximity to the famous Saarschleife near Mettlach. Wadern is a starting point for hikes in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park.

The Festival Days

The fair lasts for five days, traditionally from Friday evening to Tuesday evening:

• Friday — Opening of the fair with a keg tapping ceremony
• Saturday — Grand fair party with a live band on the market square stage
• Sunday (Patron Saint's Day) — Festive service in St. Lawrence's Parish Church, followed by a morning pint (Frühschoppen) with the music club on the market square
• Monday — Family day with reduced prices on rides
• Tuesday — Laurentius Market (street market) during the day, and a grand finale fireworks display in the evening

Rides and Showmen

Modern carousels, swing rides, dodgem cars, and Ferris wheel classics are located around the market square. Snack stands with Saarland cuisine — Lyoner, Schwenker, Bratwurst — and sweet stalls with almonds, candy floss, and crêpes complete the offering.

The Laurentius Market on Tuesday

The traditional Laurentius Market on Tuesday is part of the fair: a street market that takes over the town centre streets. Traders from all over Saarland and the Hunsrück region offer clothing, household goods, leather goods, toys, and specialities.

Who Should Visit

Anyone who wants to experience a compact, traditional patron saint's fair outside the major cities of Saarland will find Wadern to be the right place. Those who want to see the fireworks should come on Tuesday evening; families will find Monday the most relaxed. In midsummer, it can be ideally combined with a hiking day in the Saar-Hunsrück.