Ascension Procession & Kirmes Beyenburg

575 Years of Religious Tradition in the Bergisches Land

Few events in Wuppertal have such deep historical roots as the Ascension Procession in Beyenburg. On Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day), the 575th edition of this tradition will take to the streets of the Wuppertal district — a tradition that originated in the 15th century and has been passed down uninterrupted for over five centuries.

Holy Mass in the Monastery Church

The day begins at 9:00 AM with the Holy Mass in the monastery church of St. Maria Magdalena, the medieval heart of Beyenburg. The church is part of a former Crosier monastery from the 15th century and breathes the spirituality from which the procession once emerged.

The Procession: 4 km with 1,000 Participants

After the service, the procession forms. Approximately 1,000 participants will walk a route of about 4 kilometers through Beyenburg. The procession is accompanied by a brass ensemble, and blessings are given at three altars of blessing along the route — a spiritual choreography that has become rare in this form.

Afterwards: Kirmes at the Schützenplatz

After the procession concludes, the Kirmes begins at the Schützenplatz Beyenburg — the secular festive part of the day. Classic amusement rides (bumper cars, children's carousel), food stalls with fish rolls, crêpes, bratwurst, and potato pancakes, plus an evening dance that continues long after sunset. Thus, the day uniquely combines religious remembrance and folk festival gathering — a format that has survived in only a few places in the modern church landscape.

Organizers: Brotherhood with Parish

The organizers are the Schützenbruderschaft St. Annae et Katharinae Beyenburg in cooperation with the Catholic parish. This dual patronage is programmatic: the marksmen's guild has been the guardian of Beyenburg's tradition for centuries, and the church provides the spiritual framework — together they preserve one of the oldest continuous processions in the Rhineland.

Beyenburg — Wuppertal's Oldest District

Beyenburg is located in eastern Wuppertal on the Wupper river and is considered the city's oldest district. The former monastery of St. Maria Magdalena (founded in the 15th century) and its medieval substance make the place one of the most atmospheric spots in the Bergisches Land. The Beyenburg reservoir and Lake Beyenburg offer scenic beauty, and the medieval character of the town center makes Ascension Day a spiritually and touristically rich experience.