Ascension of Mary & Grand Torchlight Procession Altötting

Bavaria's Most Important Marian Pilgrimage Site

Since the 15th century, Altötting has been Bavaria's largest and most significant Marian pilgrimage site – sometimes referred to as the "Heart of Bavaria." The center is the Chapel of Grace, a small octagonal chapel in the center of the Upper Bavarian town, where the Miraculous Image of the Black Madonna is venerated. The carved statue of Mary was created around 1330 and is considered the "Patrona Bavariae" – the patron saint of the Free State of Bavaria. Over a million pilgrims visit Altötting every year.

Feast Day of the Chapel of Grace

Ascension of Mary on August 15 is the feast day of the Chapel of Grace. The celebrations begin on the eve, August 14: Rosary at 6 PM in the Chapel of Grace, Rosary at 7:15 PM in St. Anna's Basilica, Festive Mass at 8 PM with the town pastor in the Basilica. This is followed by the famous grand torchlight procession – Bavaria's most spectacular Marian tradition.

The Grand Torchlight Procession

Around 3,000 faithful circle the Chapel of Grace on Kapellplatz three times with burning candles. The Black Madonna is carried in a solemn procession. In the presence of a Bavarian minister, the city of Altötting and the Free State of Bavaria entrust themselves anew to Mary – a traditional gesture that expresses the special relationship between Bavaria and its patron saint. Thousands of pilgrims and guests line the square, which is bathed in a magical light by the sea of candles.

August 15: High Feast with Pontifical Mass

On the feast day itself, the solemn procession with the Miraculous Image to St. Anna's Basilica begins at 9:45 AM. At 10 AM, the Pontifical Mass follows – the main Mass is traditionally celebrated by the Bishop of Passau (the responsible diocese for Altötting). At 3 PM, Marian Vespers are held in the parish church. The day is dedicated to the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven – a central Marian dogma of the Catholic Church since the 6th century.

Key Facts

• Bavaria's largest Marian festival
• Feast day of the Chapel of Grace Altötting
• Torchlight procession August 14 around 9 PM: 3,000 pilgrims, 3 circuits
• Pontifical Mass August 15, 10 AM in St. Anna's Basilica
• Renewal of Bavaria's vow to Mary by the state government
• Miraculous Image of the Black Madonna ("Patrona Bavariae")
• Free admission

The state of Bavaria and the Upper Bavarian district of Altötting, with the Marian pilgrimage site of Altötting, maintain a religious and cultural center of national importance. Ascension of Mary is a public holiday in Bavaria and Saarland (unlike most other German federal states). The town – with only around 13,000 inhabitants – transforms into the vibrant center of Bavarian Catholicism on this day.