The largest holiday is on the last Sunday in October: the Kirchweih (consecration of the church) Oct. 31 is All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saints Day Kirchweih & Rosemary by Hans Gehl (photos of the dance, the bouquets & the hats were added) Kirchweih by Dr. Viktor Pratscher Kirchweih in Feketitsch Kirchweih in Mehala Sept 1973

October 02 - Kirchweihmarkt - 'Kirchweih market' © Stefan Jäger

The word Kirchweih, means; Kirch = church; weih = bless, or concentrating.  When the construction of a church was finished, church services were being held as soon as possible.  Eventually a church was always blessed or concentrated by the bishop.  Some times, it took several years before the bishop had the time to go from village to village to bless or concentrate the church.  Usually this festival took place during the fall.  The church was always blessed on the week end.  If a church was bless say, on Sunday, October 15, 1850. In 1853, October 15th, would be on Wednesday.  The celebration would be held the following Sunday.  Every week end a Kirchweih was celebrated in a different village, in their own Diocese.  It became an annual festival, the whole community was involved in the festivities. (Alex Leeb)