Corpus Christi in the Black Forest: Colorful traditions delight visitors!

Corpus Christi in the Black Forest: Colorful traditions delight visitors!

Corpus Christi, a colorful festival in the heart of the Black Forest, is celebrated with great enthusiasm year after year. The Solemnity, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, occurs on the second Thursday after Pentecost and draws thousands of visitors to its floral and community-filled atmosphere. In the communities, not only the religious element is honored, but also the tradition of the flower carpet, which has been alive in towns like Hüfingen and Mühlenbach for over 150 years.

Preparations for the celebrations start days in advance. In Hüfingen, the residents collect flowers from nature with great commitment in order to lay the impressive flower carpets. These are at least 500 meters long and 1.80 meters wide! The first step of the work begins early in the morning at 4 a.m., while the procession starts at 8:30 a.m. and is accompanied by other activities such as concerts and devotions. The traditional costumes and the processions with musical accompaniment make this day an event that radiates far beyond the municipal boundaries.

Colorful hustle and bustle in Mühlenbach

The situation is similar in Mühlenbach, where the carpet of flowers is over a kilometer long. Here, too, hundreds of volunteers help the night before the festival to collect the flowers (in Mühlenbach there are several million) for the artistic motifs. Pure fascination: everything from Christian symbols to decorated ornaments is included!

The procession in Mühlenbach is characterized by the sound of cannon shots and the colorful hustle and bustle of those wearing traditional costumes. This spectacle also attracts numerous visitors who admire the colorful carpets and immerse themselves in a deep community. For many locals, this day is considered the most beautiful day of the year and has a long tradition that always brings young and old together.

Celebrations in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, St. Peter and Glottertal

But it's not just Hüfingen and Mühlenbach that are in the sunshine of Corpus Christi. In Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, the high mass is celebrated in the parish church of St. Peter and Paul, followed by an impressive procession accompanied by the Historical Citizens' Militia Bad Peterstal e.V. The festive parades also go through the picturesque village and ensure an unforgettable experience.

In St. Peter's beautifully decorated streets and the historic monastery church, which come alive during the celebrations. Here, too, numerous local clubs don't miss out and show their commitment to the festival. Finally, the Glottertal offers a very special procession in which a Madonna is carried through the crowd by women wearing traditional costumes. The flower carpets are also an integral part of the festive route and provide the special charm of the day.

Background information about Corpus Christi: The roots of this festival go back to the 13th century, and it is celebrated, among other things, as a reminder of Jesus' last supper. Originally introduced in Liège, the first Corpus Christi procession took place in Cologne in 1279. In Germany, Corpus Christi is a public holiday in several federal states, helping to strengthen regional traditions and the Catholic community. Nowadays, not only faithful Catholics but also many other people draw inspiration from the colorful celebration that symbolizes joy and solidarity.

Overall, it shows that Corpus Christi in the Black Forest is more than just a church holiday - it is a living tradition full of colors, music and community. Whether in Hüfingen, Mühlenbach, Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, St. Peter or Glottertal - the interplay of customs and new life is an invitation to enjoy the festival and be part of this lively community.

For more information about the celebrations and the meaning of Corpus Christi, visit the pages of InsideBW, Black Forest Current and Vivat.