Nankendorf Procession of Lights — Decree of the Perpetual Adoration

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.