Tollwitz Pentecost Procession

Pentecost Customs in the Heart of Saalekreis

In the state of Saxony-Anhalt, right in the middle of the Saalekreis district, the Tollwitz district of Bad Dürrenberg cherishes a special custom: the Pentecost procession of the Tollwitz 'Pfingstburschen'. Already on the Thursday before Pentecost, the young men head to a quarry on the outskirts of the village to cut fresh maypoles, which are then distributed to decorate the houses of Tollwitz, Kauern, and Ragwitz. It is a custom deeply ingrained in the village's annual rhythm, connecting generations.

On Pentecost Saturday, the actual procession starts punctually at 10 a.m. from the Tollwitz sports field. Around three dozen 'Pfingstburschen', accompanied by brass music, decorated wagons, and a dense crowd of onlookers, march through all three villages. They stop at every door, greet every resident personally – via microphone, calling their names, and with a hearty 'Sie leben — HOCH!' as a farewell into the weekend. Some families offer coffee and cake, others pour a schnapps, and at the stop at the local pub around noon, the music really picks up.

More Than a Procession — A Club Festival

The event is organized by SV Einigkeit 05 Tollwitz e.V., which also demonstrates its connection to the village through the Pentecost procession. Tollwitz is located in the salt city of Bad Dürrenberg, directly on the Saale river, and is administratively part of the Saalekreis district. The tradition of the 'Procession of the Pfingstburschen' is consciously maintained by the club – as social glue between generations and as a reminder that village festivals in Saxony-Anhalt are more than just folklore programs. If you want to experience the original, unvarnished Pentecostal Germany, this is the place to be.

Atmosphere and Schedule

The procession moves at a typical pace through the villages – through Tollwitz by coffee time, in Kauern in the late afternoon, and in Ragwitz in the evening. If you want to soak up the atmosphere, just stand by the roadside: admission is free, but donations to the 'Pfingstburschen' collection box are gladly accepted.