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A special fest lures visitors the second Wednesday in November to Quirnbach each year. It’s the Quirnbach Horse Market, and about 20,000 people attend the event in the village near Glan-Münchweiler each year.
The village of Quirnbach has a long-standing market tradition. In 1444, historical documents mention the first market called “Bartholomäusmarkt.” Quirnbach’s local church, Bartholomäus Church, was known as a place for pilgrimage. With the pilgrims came vendors selling their merchandise.
After Kusel burnt down during the French Revolution in 1794, its markets moved to Quirnbach. After Kusel was rebuilt, city officials wanted the markets back. But vendors and farmers from the local areas and even neighboring countries wanted to keep going to Quirnbach. During 1856 and 1857, 25 markets were held each year in Quirnbach. Until around 1900, many houses in the village were turned into inns.
Beginning in the middle of the 19th century, horses were not only owned by noble people but also used as draught animals by farmers. Quirnbach decided to hold its first horse market on St. Martin’s Day in 1877. This date in November worked out well for farmers. The crop was in and their finances were balanced. People had time to visit the horse market. Eventually, they started having dances. Since at that time it was still customary for parents to arrange their children’s marriages, the horse market turned into the “marriage market.”
Due to a growing motorization of agriculture after World War II, the cattle and horse market lost its importance. Better streets allowed farmers to visit their cattle dealers any time, not only during the market. Soon, the Bartholomäusmarkt was celebrated only as a village carnival.
In the early 1980s, community officials, local clubs and businesses revived the horse market.
The horse show, where different breeds will be presented, starts at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday. Show performances will be held between each presentation. After the awards ceremony, some horses will be up for sale. The horse market will also feature a lottery, where nice prizes can be won.
Advance lottery tickets are available at the Vodafone Premium Store in Landstuhl, Bahnhofstrasse 98. Tickets will also be sold in front of the tent before the horse show starts.
Vendors’ stands and booths with fruit, sweets, clothes and jewelry are set up along the streets. Musical entertainment is provided throughout the day in the fest tent.
Quirnbach is located near Glan-Münchweiler on autobahn A62.
