Elizabeth Walter’s book, Kirchweih Fest, is a beautiful 11-inch by 11-inch hardcover, with 26 full color illustrations. The vibrant illustrations, which Elizabeth created using an etching and aquatint method, show how a Kirchweih Fest was celebrated in her hometown of Karlsdorf, and how the tradition is continued here in America.
Kirchweih is a wonderful tradition of the Donauschwaben culture. The celebration of the Kirchweih Fest took place in almost every village where Donauschwaben lived. The Kirchweih celebration was brought over to America by Danube Swabians who emigrated here, and is still celebrated by young and old in a lot of Donauschwaben clubs in America .
Why Elizabeth wrote the book:
Many young people who come to the Kirchweih Fest in America don’t know its meaning or history. So I decided to illustrate and write a book depicting this joyful festival.
Also, after writing Barefoot in the Rubble, which told about the horrific experiences that our people went through during and after World War II, I wanted to show some of the good times that the Donauschwaben have. This book, Kirchweihfest, shows that we enjoyed life before the war and still continue some of our wonderful traditions here in America .
