Zapfendorf Kirchweih

Kerwa Tradition in the Upper Franconian Main Valley

The Zapfendorfer Kirchweih – in Franconian dialect, "Kerwa" – is one of the traditional village festivals in the market town of Zapfendorf in the Bamberg district. It is celebrated around the Sunday after the patron saint's festival of Peter and Paul (June 29th). The festival grounds on the main street, behind the "Knopfloch" Pils bar, become the center of the town: festival activities start at 6 p.m., a funfair with rides, and the popular duck fishing for children from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. are part of the regular program.

Customs and Highlights

On Saturday, the Kirchweih tree is erected together with the volunteer fire department – a central custom of the Franconian Kirchweih. Local restaurants participate with food and drinks during the festival. A special highlight is the football match on Kirchweih Monday, where the parish youth competes against the parish council or the church administration – a humorous contest with a long tradition.

Kirchweihen in the Market Area

The Zapfendorfer Kerwa is part of an entire year of Kirchweihen in the market town. In addition to the main town, the districts also celebrate their own Kirchweihen, including Sassendorf, Oberleiterbach, and Lauf, each on different dates in late summer and autumn. Thus, the Kirchweih tradition extends throughout the entire market area.

Regional Context

Zapfendorf is located in the Main Valley in the Bamberg district in the state of Bavaria, on the edge of the Steigerwald Nature Park and Franconian Switzerland. Here, the Kirchweih is an expression of village sociability, where clubs, the fire department, the parish community, and gastronomy work together to keep the Franconian custom alive.