Mayen Pentecost Market

Pentecost has long been associated with the traditional Pentecost Market in Mayen, one of the largest flea markets in the region between the Eifel and Middle Rhine. While other towns celebrate medieval or culinary Pentecost festivals, Mayen has specialized in the classic Pentecost format of a large bric-a-brac market – successfully, as thousands of visitors flock to the Vulkaneifel town on both days.

Over 500 flea market stalls spread from the market square across Bäckerstraße, St. Veit-Straße, and other alleys of the city center. The historic townscape, with the Old Town Hall and Genoveva Castle in the background, provides a special setting for the colorful market activity. Everything you find at a typical flea market is sold: used furniture and household items, bric-a-brac and antiques, books and records, toys, collectibles, vintage fashion, crockery, tools, jewelry, and all sorts of curiosities.

The mix of private sellers clearing out their cellars and commercial dealers with specialized assortments is what makes the Mayen Pentecost Market so appealing. Those who arrive early have the best chance of finding real bargains and unusual finds. Those who arrive later can stroll through the offerings in a relaxed atmosphere and haggle with sellers – which, in Mayen as everywhere else, is part of the flea market tradition.

The market is accompanied by gastronomic offerings: 'Frühschoppen' with beer and wine, bratwurst, potato pancakes, crêpes, coffee, and cake are offered in the city center's cafes and at mobile stands. Families will find plenty of opportunities to take breaks between the stalls.

The Pentecost Market falls within Mayen's intensive event season, which culminates between the Spring Market in March, the Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) in June, the Stone and Castle Festival in September, and finally the traditional Lukasmarkt in October. For visitors to Mayen who want to use the Pentecost weekend for an excursion, combinations with the Moselle River (Cochem, 30 km), Laacher See (15 km), and the Nürburgring (40 km) are worthwhile.