Deidesheim celebrates Pentecost: Highlight with a goat auction!

Deidesheim celebrates Pentecost: Highlight with a goat auction!

On Pentecost weekend, Deidesheim experienced a happy atmosphere when the traditional celebrations began. The event started on Friday in the Bernhardushof and enjoyed high number of visitors and an exuberant atmosphere. However, the highlight of the festivities is still ahead: the goat auction, which will take place on Tuesday, June 10th, already attracts attention. According to Rheinpfalz are the preparations for this in full.

in Deidesheim you can look back on a long tradition that extends until 1404. The billy goat auction is more than just one auction; It is an important part of regional identity. As Wine festivals of the Palatinate , a tribut-Bock from Lambrecht to Deidesheim is paid annually, which is due to historical disputes. Napoleon Bonaparte even played a role in these conflicts.

The ceremony of the billy goat auction

The goat, which is to be auctioned, must meet strict quality criteria and should be well hurt and well -shaped. At 5:30 a.m. the animal is handed over to the local border. This ceremony is accompanied by a three -hour march in which the accompanying people are supplied with wine. The bride and groom also has the privilege of receiving a first sip of wine when handing over.

At 10:00 a.m. the reception at the entrance to the town will then take place, which is designed by dignitaries, primary school children and onlookers. The goat is examined in front of the historic town hall, and in the event of satisfaction, the bride and groom not only get wine again, but also a cheese bread. After this assessment, the wine festival starts, whereby the goat is initially getting the opportunity to fortify itself with fresh grass.

In the afternoon at 3:00 p.m., a historical game with folkloric and musical elements begins. The actual auction begins at 5:45 p.m. and lasts until 6:00 p.m. when a hammer stroke is decided who is the new owner of the goat. The bell of the St. Ulrich Church heralds during the auction.

a contribution to the intangible cultural heritage

The hill -up bum auction not only has local importance, but is also viewed as an important cultural asset. In 2025, the auction is to be included in the list of intangible cultural heritage Germany. This shows how important such traditions are that go back to pre -Christian times and still pull numerous people today.

The Pentecost celebrations and their customs are part of the heritage that Germany wants to maintain. Historically, Pentecost was a Thanksgiving festival that has both biblical and seasonal payments. Many customs that are practiced today have emerged from early traditions and were connected to the Christian Pentecost. More information can be found on wikipedia .