A deeply religious tradition, now also a major tourist attraction. At the end of the prayers and the start of the procession, the hills are spectacularly illuminated by bonfires made of stacked wood. This takes place not only in Pottenstein, but also in Nankendorf and Obertrubach. The best-known Perpetual Adoration takes place in Pottenstein, which consequently attracts the largest crowds. It’s worth arriving early. To keep you warm, there are various mulled wine stalls and bratwurst stands in each of the villages.
📜 Background
During Perpetual Adoration, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and venerated throughout the day during prayer sessions. Every parish in the diocese has its own fixed day of the year for this, ensuring that adoration within the diocese never ceases. In Pottenstein, the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg, Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim, instituted the prayer sessions in 1759.
The mountain bonfires, for which the festival is famous today, were added later. Records of them date back to 1905.
🔥 Programme
The programme is similar in all three towns. After dark, the street lights are switched off, the bells ring out, a brass band plays old tunes and the people sing together. As the procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament makes its way through the village, the fires blaze up all around on the hillsides.
📅 Dates & Locations
| Village | Date | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Nankendorf | 31 December | Thousands of lights; bonfires and Bengal torches bathe the rocks in red light, around 5 pm |
| Obertrubach | 3 January | Thousands of lights, Christian symbols and illuminated lettering on the slopes; prayer sessions from 8 am, closing prayer at 5 pm |
| Pottenstein | 6 January (Epiphany) | around 1,000 mountain bonfires; the largest and best-known of the three festivals |