Corpus Christi in Bayreuth: celebrations and a medieval market await you!

Corpus Christi in Bayreuth: celebrations and a medieval market await you!

The anticipation of Corpus Christi is palpable in Bayreuth and the surrounding area. On June 19, 2025, this important Catholic festival will be duly celebrated in the city and beyond the region. The celebrations begin at 9 a.m. with a celebratory service in the Bayreuth Castle Church, which will be led by regional cantor Sebastian Ruf. The whole thing is accompanied musically by the Schlosskirchen choir and other singers from other Catholic communities. But that's just the beginning.

Following the service, believers march through the city center in a festive procession, which for many is the highlight of the day. A social get-together among friends and neighbors is celebrated with a shared exchange of food and drink. In Pegnitz there will also be a high mass at 9 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, which will also be accompanied by a procession. The importance of the festival is particularly emphasized by Pastor Heinrich Hohl, explaining that Corpus Christi symbolizes the presence of Jesus Christ, represented by the Eucharist and the consecrated elements. The focus is on the host, which is presented in an artfully decorated monstrance.

Medieval market and musical events

Apart from the religious celebrations, there is also a varied supporting program in the region. From June 19th to 22nd, the medieval market at Rabenstein Castle invites you to revel in times long past. Medieval fights, puppet shows and fire shows are on offer here. The market will be opened on June 19th at 12 p.m. by the Herald. Admission costs 14 euros at the box office, or 12 euros if you purchase tickets online in advance.

For all music lovers, the “Open Air Pool” event also takes place in the culture kiosk in Bayreuth's Wilhelminenaue. Electronic music is played here from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets are available in advance for 10 euros. Last but not least, the Brass Barn 2025 begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Wirbenz Cultural Barn, which creates a great atmosphere with groups like Rüscherl Muse and the Pressath Musicians. If you want to be there, you should get tickets early, which are available in advance for 18 euros.

View beyond the city limits

But Bayreuth is not the only place that celebrates on this day. In Bonn, an open-air service will be held at the same time in front of the cathedral basilica. City Dean Msgr. Dr. Markus Hofmann will lead the service, which is especially designed for children and families. After the service there is a city procession that highlights the coexistence of the different denominations. Broad participation from ecumenism becomes visible here when representatives of Orthodoxy carry an icon under a canopy.

The festival serves not only for religious reflection, but also for encounters and exchanges, for which a varied program including culinary delicacies is prepared on the square in front of the cathedral basilica. Live broadcasts of the service also offer the opportunity to experience these celebrations from home.

Corpus Christi is a day that not only brings believers together in Bayreuth and Bonn, but also offers numerous opportunities to celebrate and enjoy. It will be a celebration where traditions come alive and community is at the forefront.

For more information about the celebrations in Bayreuth click on courier, you can find out the meaning of the festival at Bayreuther Tagblatt, and you can find out more about the celebrations in Bonn at Archdiocese of Cologne.