Festivals and celebrations are very affectionately observed in Altötting. The weekly candlelight procession attracts many visitors, however, church festivals, such as the Assumption of Mary and Corpus Christi, are among the highlights of the year for many people. Read more about the candlelight procession in Altötting, the annual Whitsun pilgrimage and other events.
Highlights of the Pilgrimage Calendar
Candlelight Procession in Altötting, Whitsun Pilgrimage and More
Christians believe that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead and is alive! This has been cause for celebration since the early days of Christianity – from celebrating masses, Great Feasts of the church to gatherings in the spirit of faith. Christians have been celebrating such events with light and music, processions and prayers – and the numerous customs that have been handed-down have contributed to those colourful events. Pilgrims and visitors from around the world are cordially invited to join in the celebrations!
Candlelight Procession in Altötting
From May to October, the Altötting candlelight procession takes place every Saturday evening, right after the evening mass in St. Anne Basilica. The participants walk with procession candles in hand from St. Anne Basilica to Kapellplatz and around the Gnadenkapelle. The Altötting candlelight procession ends with a short prayer in front of the chapel.
- From mid April to the end of August: starting at 8 pm
- In September and October: starting at 7 pm
- Great candlelight procession on 14 August, i.e. on the eve of the Assumption of Mary
The Great Feast of the Assumption of Mary
The Great Feast on 15 August and the grand candlelight procession the evening before are among the annual highlights of the pilgrimage year. Since the 9th century, Altötting has been celebrating the patronage of the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Assumption of Mary at the Gnadenkapelle. This "Special Women's Day" is dedicated to the patron saint of Bavaria. Carefully bound bouquets of herbs are also blessed on that day.
- Mass with music arrangements at St. Anne Basilica on 14 August at 8 pm, i.e. on the eve of the Assumption of Mary, followed by a grand candlelight procession around the Gnadenkapelle.
- Assumption of Mary on 15 August at 9:45 a.m. In a solemn procession the miraculous image of Our Lady of Altötting is carried from the chapel to St. Anne Basilica.
- Festive Mass to commemorate the Assumption of Mary on 15 August at 10:00 am at St. Anne Basilica
Pilgrims‘ Church Services in Altötting
Daily church services for individual pilgrims and for those travelling in groups are available in Altötting. Upon prior consultation, groups can help arrange church services and design their own masses.
If you wish to organise a group pilgrimage to Altötting, please contact the Pilgrimage Custody Office:
Phone: +49 (0) 8671 969242
Email: altoetting (at) kapuziner.org
Grand Whitsun Pilgrimages to Altötting
A special highlight in the Altötting festival calendar is the annual three-day Pentecost attended by numerous groups of pilgrims walking to Altötting, such as the Regensburg diocesan pilgrimage with approx. 9,000 participants arriving on Pentecost Saturday and the Legio Mariae with approx. 7,000 participants arriving on Whitsun Monday.
- Whitsun weekend from 8 June to 10 June 2019
The Great Feast of Corpus Christi
In Altötting this Feast is celebrated with a mass followed by the Corpus Christi procession. On the Feast of the Eucharist, the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament is carried through Altötting, parts of the Gospel are recited at several decorated altars, prayers of intercessions are made and a sacramental blessing is given.
- Festive Mass on the occasion of the Great Feast of Corpus Christi at St. Anne Basilica on 20 June 2019 at 8.30 am
- Followed by the Corpus Christi procession
International Emmanuel Assembly Forum
In early August each year, between 2,000 and 4,000 participants have been gathering in Altötting for the Forum and Youth Forum of the Emmanuel Assembly since 1995. The meetings take place at Kapellplatz and at adjacent venues, where young people, young families and adults exchange ideas on the topic of faith.
- 24th International Forum Altötting from 31 July to 4 August 2019
Website only in German.
Motorbike Pilgrimage to Altötting
Towards the end of September each year, motorcyclists celebrate a thanksgiving mass for the past season, which takes place at Kapellplatz in Altötting. If you are also a motorcycle enthusiast, you are cordially invited to this pilgrimage to Altötting.
- Motorbike pilgrimage to Altötting at Kapellplatz Altötting, 22. September 2019 at 10.30 am.
