Kirmes!

Kirmes is a German word, and it means the anniversary of the day the original church of a given town was dedicated, or the birthday of the Saint protector of the town. Kirmes is always held on a weekend closest to that day.

On the Friday or Saturday before, many German towns have the Kirmes tree-raising ceremony. Days before, the young men of the town gather together and choose a large tree which they strip of its bottom leaves and decorate with wreaths and colored streamers.

 Above: the town watches as the 

       tree is put up.

Below: The tree is up, and the

town people are at the commons 

to celebrate!

A German Kirmes is always accompanied by festivities. Usually, but not always, a large tent is erected on the town's common or other place especially set apart for such festivities. The tent protects the celebrating people from inclement weather and adds a sense of community and gemuetlichkeit. 

 

The Kirmes tent

When I was little, these festivities were our livelihood. We set up our attractions to be ready for Friday, and when the tree was up, the town folks came. 

The older generation drifted into the tent, where they drank beer, ate wurst and danced. The children and young people couldn't wait to ride our merry-go-round,  win prizes from our ring-toss, and impress their friends by using our air guns to shoot for prizes at the shooting gallery.

Kirmes attractions now, and Kirmes attractions then!