Kirmes in Germany
October 18 · Level 7 · #775 of 2238
A Kirmes is a German local fair with roots in the anniversary of a church's consecration. Today it often brings a town or village together for music, rides and reunions. There is no single Kirmes date shared across Germany.
How it is celebrated: visitors browse stalls, ride carousels, enjoy fairground food and listen to music. Some communities also preserve church services, processions and the raising of a festival tree.
Kirmes comes from Kirchmesse, meaning a church Mass. Behind the lights and rides lies the history of a parish celebration.