Lullusfest in Germany

Lullusfest (also known locally and colloquially as Lolls) is one of the oldest folk festivals in Germany. It takes place on the market square, which covers about 1.3 hectares, and part of the adjacent Linggplatz, about 0.5 hectares, in the center of Bad Hersfeld. The festival has been held during the week of October 16 since the year 852 and is also referred to as the “fifth season” of Bad Hersfeld. Each year, it attracts around 500,000 visitors.

The festival is named after Archbishop Lullus of Mainz, who succeeded Boniface as bishop of Mainz. Around 769, he founded a Benedictine monastery in Bad Hersfeld. Lullus died in Hersfeld on October 16, 786, at the age of 80.

On April 7, 852, the new Carolingian basilica was consecrated. The reburial (translatio) of Lullus, Wigbert, and Witta in this basilica, accompanied by a procession and church festival, took place on October 16 of the same year. This led to an annual church celebration, drawing many pilgrims to the saints’ tombs. On October 16, the bells across the city called the faithful to the tombs. Beginning in 1038, the Lullus bell also rang.

Since 1911, the ceramics market has been extended from Monday through Sunday, and in 1925, Sunday shopping was introduced. Starting in the 19th century, attractions and amusements appeared at the market. As more and more retailers (and later department stores) were able to supply the population with such goods year-round, the number of attractions and amusements steadily increased. Thus, the festival evolved into the folk celebration it remains today.