Kerb - Kirchweihfest

It is one of the most significant and traditional Kirchweih (church consecration) festivals in the Rhine-Main region and all of southern Hesse. The Kerb is held annually over six days during the Pentecost (Pfingsten) period and attracts around 80,000 visitors each year.The Haaner Kerb takes place around the historic Burg Hayn in Dreieichenhain.Its roots trace back to the consecration of the rebuilt Burgkirche in Dreieichenhain on the first Sunday of Advent in 1718 which was destroyed by a devastating fire. Originally celebrated in late autumn, the festival was moved to Pentecost over the centuries, defying a directive from the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt, who had ordered all Kirchweih festivals to be held in autumn. But the residents of Dreieichenhain resisted this change, maintaining their tradition of celebrating in the spring.Nowadays, the festival is deeply rooted in community traditions and features a variety of events:Kerbborschen: Young men, known as Kerbborschen who don traditional attire—white shirts, straw hats, and red sashes—and play a central role in the festivities. They organise a lot of it.Hayner Reitschul: A popular attraction is the "Hayner Reitschul," a historic double-decker carousel. This unique ride was once discovered in a U.S. amusement park and brought back to Dreieichenhain where it is now operated by a dedicated local association. Hayner Weiberkerb: Since 1974, the local women have organized their own parallel celebration, the "Hayner Weiberkerb," featuring handcrafted goods, culinary delights, and performances. This initiative has raised over €300,000 for cultural and social projects in the region. Festivities: The Kerb includes the raising of the Kerb tree, a spectacular fireworks display, traditional music performances, and the ceremonial "Kerbverbrennung" (burning of the Kerb) on the final evening. Music plays an integral part at the Haaner Kerb. The Blasorchester Dreieich performs throughout the festival, including early morning serenades and concerts in the Burggarten. The festival also features the singing of the "Haaner Lied," a cherished local anthem.