Giwick, Knorzekinner & St. Martin
The "Giwick"
Erpolzheim´s mascot is a small bird, the "Giwick". This is the Palatine name for the lapwing. The bird, which has become rare in the meantime, likes to live in fractured areas, such as those bordering Erpolzheim. The people of Freinsheim originally gave the nickname "Giwick" to the people of Erpolzheim. Today the Giwick is depicted in Erpolzheim´s village logo and even a small monument has been created in its honour, which can be found in the immediate vicinity of the church in the centre of the village.
The "Knorzekinner"
Like almost every village in the Freinsheim holiday region, Erpolzheim has its own wine princess. What is special, however, is that she brings her court, the "Knorzekinner", to many events. The "Knorze" is the Palatinate term for the trunk of the wine grape and "kinner" ist Palatinate for children. Nowhere else in the Palatinate is there such a group of children who support the incumbent in her representative activities. The group of about ten young girls is introduced very gently to a possible representative office at an early age and is allowed to playfully represent the wine village and accompany its highness. Of course, the wine drinking is reserved for the wine princess.
St. Martin´s Market
Every year, on St. Martin's Day, the village, which is characterised by a strong village community, organises the St. Martin's Market, which is known far beyond the village borders. More than 100 artisans offer their wares in around thirty open courtyards. At the St. Martin's Market, they are also happy to let you look over their shoulders as they work.
In the spirit of the patron saint of this festival, the proceeds go to a good cause. It is more than remarkable what this small village is able to achieve with such big an event.
Also worth seeing:
Erpolzheim - Isenachufer
Erpolzheim - Landschaftsschutzgebiet Bruch
Erpolzheim - Protestantische Kirche