Nankendorf Procession of Lights — Decree of the Perpetual Adoration
Sacrament procession in a sea of a thousand wax candles and Bengal fires
About Nankendorf Procession of Lights
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A Spectacle of Light in the Wiesenttal
Nankendorf, a district of the market town of Waischenfeld in the Franconian Switzerland, has fewer than 200 inhabitants. On one day a year — December 31st — the small village becomes a pilgrimage destination. Thousands of people come to Nankendorf to experience the Decree of the Perpetual Adoration with the traditional Procession of Lights. What awaits them is an unusual mix of deep piety and breathtaking light staging: the entire valley around Nankendorf is illuminated with thousands of wax candles, the slopes glow alternately in red and green Bengal fires, and the Wiesent river reflects the lights.
The Tradition of Perpetual Adoration
Historically, Perpetual Adoration dates back to the 40-hour devotion introduced by Pope Clement VIII in 1592. In the Diocese of Bamberg, this was formalized in the 18th century and distributed among all parishes in the diocese — each village received one day a year on which the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration all day long. For Nankendorf, this day is December 31st. What began as a purely prayer service has developed into a major public event over the course of the 20th century — without losing its spiritual depth.
Self-Poured Wax Candles and Bengal Fires
The visual spectacle is created by the commitment of the villagers. In the weeks leading up to New Year's Eve, the Nankendorf Volunteer Fire Brigade and the parish produce thousands of self-poured wax candles — some in wooden fire bowls, others in bowls made of ice and natural materials. In the afternoon, helpers distribute them on the slopes, along the paths, at the cemetery, and by the river. In addition, there are pitch torches and, above all, Bengal fires, which cause the slopes to flare up alternately in red and green light at regular intervals. During the sacrament procession at 5:15 PM, the entire valley becomes a single light installation.
Sacrament Procession Through the Village
The sacrament procession follows the traditional liturgical order: the priest carries the monstrance under a canopy through the village, accompanied by altar servers, banner bearers, members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Riflemen's Association, the Mayor of Waischenfeld, and the entire population. The Nankendorf Brass Band provides musical accompaniment. The procession starts from the parish church, passes through the cemetery, through the lower streets, and ends back at the church. Thousands of believers and onlookers follow it.
An Experience in the Franconian Winter
Visitors to Nankendorf on New Year's Eve should be prepared for cold Franconian winter weather — often with sub-zero temperatures and frost. This atmosphere enhances the experience: the cold air, breath visible in clouds, the warm light of the thousand candles, the bells, the brass music, the silence between the songs. It is one of the most impressive religious events in the German-speaking world.
Nankendorf Procession of Lights — edition 2026
On New Year's Eve 2026, the centuries-old tradition continues. The day begins at 10:00 AM with the solemn opening service, which ushers in the Perpetual Adoration in Nankendorf. Throughout the day, the Blessed Sacrament remains in the parish church for adoration.
From 1:00 PM, members of the volunteer fire brigade and the parish begin distributing the wax candles, self-poured over weeks, in wooden bowls on the slopes, at the cemetery, and along the roads. At 4:00 PM, the year-end Eucharist service takes place in the parish church; at the same time, helpers light the thousands of candles, bathing the entire valley in a sea of lights.
The dramatic climax is the sacrament procession starting at 5:15 PM: with the Blessed Sacrament under the canopy, the priest, accompanied by the fire brigade, riflemen's association, mayor, brass band, and the entire parish, as well as thousands of onlookers, processes through the village. Bengal fires flare up alternately in red and green on the slopes.
Programme Nankendorf Procession of Lights 2026
Decree of the Perpetual Adoration — New Year's Eve December 31st, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Opening service, start of the Perpetual Adoration in Nankendorf Parish Church
- Morning and Afternoon — Adoration and prayer in the Parish Church
- 1:00 PM — Distribution of thousands of self-poured wax candles by the Volunteer Fire Brigade and parish members on the slopes, at the cemetery, and along the roads begins
- 4:00 PM — Access roads closed to motorized traffic; lighting of the candles; Year-end Eucharist service in the Parish Church
- 5:15 PM — Start of the sacrament procession through the village: Priest with monstrance under canopy, altar servers, banner bearers, Nankendorf Volunteer Fire Brigade, Riflemen's Association, Mayor and Town Council of Waischenfeld, Nankendorf Brass Band, thousands of believers
- During the entire procession: Bengal fires alternating red and green on the slopes, thousands of wax candles throughout the valley, ringing of bells
- Followed by a concluding gathering in the Parish Church and the village
The event is secured by the police and the Malteser Hilfsdienst. Further information at nankendorf.de.
Highlights Nankendorf Procession of Lights 2026
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Practical information — Nankendorf Procession of Lights
Getting There
Nankendorf is located in the Wiesenttal valley in the Franconian Switzerland, a district of the market town of Waischenfeld (Bayreuth district). By car via the A9 (exit Pegnitz or Trockau) and then via the B470 into the Wiesenttal. By train only limited: nearest station Forchheim or Pegnitz, from there by car/taxi. Important: The village will be closed to motorized traffic from 4:00 PM. Arrival by bicycle from Waischenfeld or on foot is recommended.
Program and Admission
Free admission. The Perpetual Adoration begins at 10:00 AM with the opening service. At 1:00 PM, helpers begin distributing the lights on the slopes. At 4:00 PM, the lights are lit, and the year-end Eucharist service takes place in the parish church. At 5:15 PM, the sacrament procession through the village begins.
Tips
Warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and winter-proof shoes are essential. The highlight is the sacrament procession starting at 5:15 PM — be in the village by 4:30 PM. Parking is only possible on the outskirts of the village; there is a traffic ban in the town center. Police and Malteser are on site. For photographers: bring a tripod and allow for long exposure times, work without flash.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Nankendorf Procession of Lights
Ortsteil Nankendorf und umliegende Hänge (Wiesenttal)
Nankendorf, Ortsteil von Waischenfeld, 91344 Waischenfeld