An old Bavarian custom is the Pentecost procession in Bad Kötzting. It is one of the largest Equestrian Processions in Europe and goes back to a vow from 1412. The festivities this year were on May 19, 2024, which is the Pentecost Sunday in Germany.
As the legend goes, not far from Bad Kötzting, a man was dying and asked for the last sacraments. However, the priest was unable to get there without protection. Therefore, at his request, the Kötztinger boys escorted him on this procession.
It was vowed to repeat the “Pfingstritt” every year on Whit Monday. More than 900 town folks ride on decorated horses and praying, dressed in traditional Tracht (local costume). Photo by Wikimedia
The Equestrian Procession
To the solemn ringing of the church bells, citizens and farmers leave the city praying on festively decorated horses, renewing the ancient vow.
The equestrian procession is led by the cross bearer. He is followed by lantern bearers, fanfare blowers, spiritual officiator with sacristan and altar boys. Behind them, the Pentecost groom rides with the two ushers.
The official highlight is concluded by a groom of the Pentecost of the previous year, who carries the local flag with him with his bridal handlers and by the representation of the fraternity. The other riders join in. Many carry commemorative flags with them, which they received for many years of riding participation. The riders pray the rosary on the way. At four stations, the officiator proclaims the gospel.
In the Pentecostal pilgrimage church of St. Nicholas in Steinbühl is an equestrian service. After a break for horse and rider, the equestrian procession moves back to Bad Kötzting at noon. With the Gotteslob (Praise of God) the ecclesiastical part of the Kötztinger Pentecost ends.
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The Pfingstkranzl
The Tugendkränzchen (Virtuous Wreath), popularly known as the “Pfingstkranzl”, is a filigree work made of gold and silver wire and is made in the Mallersdorf monastery. The Spiritual Officiator wears it on his pectoral cross during the ride and thus also gives the blessing during the four Gospels and at the end of the Pentecost Mass.
The “Pfingstkranzl” is the greatest pride of the Kötztinger community. At the end of the Pentecost procession, the Virtuous Wreath is ceremoniously presented to the Pentecost groom on the town square. The Pentecost groom, who must be single, Catholic and live in the district of Bad Kötzting, is appointed by the city priest at the suggestion by the city council.
The Pentecost Wedding
After the town approval, the Pentecost groom chooses a Pentecost bride and two ushers. After the end of the Pentecost, the Pentecost groom entertains the fraternity in his parents’ house. Around 4 pm, the Pentecost bride will be picked up from the town boys for the procession.
Together with the town boys, the Pentecost bride and groom then move through the festively decorated city to the Haus des Gastes (home of the guest), where the Pentecost wedding is celebrated. The wedding is only of symbolic character. The Pentecost bride and the bridesmaids, like the groom, must be single, Catholic and live in the district of Bad Kötzting.
Fotoquelle Mittelbayerische Zeitung
