Echternacher jumping procession: the most important questions and answers

For centuries, believers have been piling up through the streets of Echernach in a unique dance step after Pentecost. The Jumping procession is a religious ritual, cultural heritage and lively tradition at the same time. The « Luxemburger Word » answers the most important questions about the significant pilgrimage in advance.

What is the Echternacher jumping procession and where are their origins?

Every year on Pentecost Tuesday there is a religious procession in Echternach in honor of the saint Willibrord (658–739). The Anglo -Saxon missionary came from Northumbria (England) to the area of ​​today’s Luxembourg in the 7th century and founded the Echternach Abbey 698. As a state apostle, Willibrord is often recognized as a bridge builder between church and secular power. His grave in the crypt of the basilica became a pilgrimage early. Believers moved to the last resting place of the saint, partly from thanks for surviving emergencies. According to the diocese, this tradition goes back to the 12th century and has been documented since 1100.

How does the procession work?

The event traditionally attracts thousands of pilgrims and numerous onlookers. The participants of the procession move in a dance step, jumping from one leg to the other, through the old town. Believers are fifth or six in rows and hold white triangular scarves that make a jump possible. The dress code is also usually uniform: many pilgrims wear white shirts or blouses as well as dark pants or skirts.

The approximately 1.5 km long pilgrimage route leads from the Abteihof next to the basilica through the old town back to the church – accompanied by brass bands that play a traditional march. According to the diocese, the original melody goes back to a simple manner that was expanded and harmonized in the 19th and 20th centuries. Already in the early morning, pilgrimage groups, prayer and singer stand up in the courtyard of the abbey. Various religious dignitaries are also traditionally included. After a service in the basilica and a solemn speech by the cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich on the main staircase of the abbey building, the procession begins, the goal of which is the grave of Willibrord. The final blessing is granted there.

Who takes part in the pilgrimage and why?

Pilgrims, clubs, parishes and music groups take part in the procession. Traditionally, believers from different parts of the country, the Eifel, the Saarland, the French border region as well as the Netherlands and Belgium are present. Numerous spectators line the streets of the Abbey City. In the meantime, tourists from all over the world come to Echternach to look at the unique religious event.

Many school children also jump with – Although Pentecost Tuesday has not been a day -free day since 2019. However, parents can officially unsubscribe from class their children who participate in the procession. Every year you count around 8,000 jumpers. The reasons for participation are diverse: they range from lived faith and regional tradition to personal requests for health, peace or gratitude.

Are there organizational changes this year?

Nowadays the jumping procession from Willibrordus-Bauverein organized. 33 jumping groups are registered for the procession this year. According to the construction association, the assignment of the individual pilgrims to certain, firm groups of participants is new in order to better coordinate the process. Since it is not subject to the registration obligation and therefore not known how many individual pilgrims will participate in the procession, you can spontaneously join these groups. Music societies were also assigned to solid pilgrims this year, says club president Marc Diederich.

What makes the jumping procession so special today?

The Echternacher jumping procession is A UNESCO World Heritage Site: On November 16, 2010, she was included in the list of intangible cultural heritage in humanity in Nairobi. The recognition was not a sure -fire success, but the jumping procession has kept its identity -creating function to this day. It is a symbol of social cohesion, Christian faith and movement.