Wendelskirmes & Pilgrimage Week St. Wendel

Pilgrimage, Market, and Folk Festival in One

When October arrives in St. Wendel, more than just a folk festival comes: The Wendelskirmes & Pilgrimage Week is a 13-day event series that combines religious pilgrimage, folk festival tradition, and market culture — a combination that is unique in Saarland and dates back over 1,000 years.

Pilgrimage Week to the Wendalinus Basilica

The spiritual prelude is the Pilgrimage Week of the Catholic parish of St. Wendelinus from October 18 to 24. The Wendalinus Basilica — one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Saarland with its late Gothic column arcades and the shrine of Saint Wendalin (around 554 AD) — is the destination for streams of pilgrims from all over Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, and neighboring Lorraine. Program: Festive concert, festive lecture, services, pilgrim masses, opportunities for confession — the full program of Catholic pilgrimage practice.

Amusement Park at Bosenbach

Parallel to the religious festival week, the secular part runs from October 17 to 25: The largest amusement park in Saarland opens its gates on the Bosenbach festival grounds — over 50 showmen with rides, carousels, loopings, a Ferris wheel, haunted houses, and everything that belongs to the perfect fair atmosphere. The catering establishments — festival tents, beer wagons, crêperies — offer Saarland specialties and international classics.

Wendelsmarkt — Largest Market in Saarland

The highlight is the Wendelsmarkt on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — the largest market in Saarland. Hundreds of vendors spread throughout the entire St. Wendel city center, from clothing and household goods to regional specialties. The Wendelsmarkt attracts visitors from all over the St. Wendel region, the Saarpfalz district, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

Sunday Opening and Closing

On Sunday, October 18, there is a Sunday opening in St. Wendel (1 PM–6 PM) — the city center shops open their doors and complement the festival offerings. The closing on October 25 is traditionally celebrated with a grand fireworks display at the Bosenbach festival grounds.

Wendalin, Shepherd, and Patron Saint

Saint Wendalin — an Irish prince who is said to have lived as a shepherd in Saarland — has been the patron saint of Saarland and farmers since the 6th century. His grave in St. Wendel became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Western Europe in the Middle Ages. Today's pilgrimage week is a direct echo of this centuries-old tradition — a living example of the close connection between Catholic spirituality and folk culture in Saarland.