Twitter
Facebook
by Jutta Lausberg-Saam
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Kaiserslautern is holding its “Mai Kerwe,” carnival through June 3 on the Messeplatz fairgrounds. The event will open today at 5 p.m., the official opening will take place at 7 p.m. with the traditional tapping of the keg in the fest tent. At approximately 10 p.m. visitors can experience a fireworks display that will turn the sky over Kaiserslautern into a glittering sea of colors.
Twice a year, in May and October, the traditional carnival is organized. The carnival in May is also known as the “Maimarkt,” May market. However “Kerwe,” carnival, is the used term in the Palatinate. The “Lautrer Kerwe” is the largest carnival in the West Palatinate and well known beyond its borders. It attracts between 200,000 and 250,000 visitors. For 11 days, more than 140 vendors and ride owners offer their rides, delicacies and merchandise. Rides not only include a giant ferris wheel and a chain carousel, but also a roller coaster. The ferris wheel offers an impressive view over Kaiserslautern. For one who likes more excitement, take a ride on the “Alpen coaster,” “Break Dance,” “Frisbee,” “Black Out,” or the “Superwellenflug,” the great wave flight. The younger children can ride on the miniscooter, merry go-rounds or partake in games.
It is not only rides and games that attract visitors, some come to enjoy the beer gardens, wine tents, bistro tent, and the chicken tent. Food vendors offer culinary specialties such as crispy chicken, fish delicacies, ham hocks, crepes, pizza and more.
You can find a variety of different merchandise for example clothes, jewelery, leather articles, arts and crafts items and more on shopping street.
Wednesday is family day with reduced prices and special offers from 4 to 11 p.m.
The “Mai Kerwe” is open daily from 2 to 11 p.m. and until 1 a.m. Saturdays. Some food booths and vendors open at 11 a.m.
The “Kerwe” will end with a fantastic fireworks display on June 3 after sunset.
On Sunday, May 26, along with the “Kerwe-Feeling”, the stores in Kaiserslautern will be open for Sunday Shopping from 1 to 6 p.m.
Car lovers should visit the car show “Cars & Chill” taking place on Stiftsplatz. Approximately 80 sports cars from various manufacturers, years of construction and equipment can be admired.
The public parking spaces in the city can be used free of charge, as they can be every Sunday. More free parking will be available at Rathaus West, Meuthstrasse, and Burggymnasium schoolyard at Burgstrasse.
For more information visit www.kerwe-kl.de.
