Synodal Path leads the dance at traditional pilgrimage

 

10,000 pilgrims at the Echternach Dancing Procession

In polka time through Echternach in Luxembourg: The traditional Dancing Procession began there today. The pilgrims from Waxweiler already set off on foot on Whit Sunday.

Three steps forward, two steps back: this legend about the Echternach Dancing Procession is persistent. When it comes to laborious decisions or slow progress, it is often said that it is like the Echternach Dancing Procession.

Musical groups accompany the pilgrims in the Echternach Dancing Procession with a polka melody.

In reality, however, the pilgrims jump sideways through the streets of the Luxembourg border town in polka time: two steps to the left and two steps to the right, accompanied by music groups.

Group from Waxweiler leads procession

Around 10,000 pilgrims made their way to the Basilica in Echternach this year. The procession is traditionally led by a group from the Eifel village of Waxweiler. They walk the 40 kilometres to the small Luxembourg town. Many young people from the Diocese of Trier have also been making the overnight pilgrimage on foot from various places to the Dancing Procession for decades. A total of 35 pilgrim groups are in Echternach today.

Bishop Ackermann dances along

The Archbishop of Luxembourg said in his speech at the beginning of the procession that today's dancing is also for peace in Ukraine and for the Synodal Path of the Catholic Church.

The procession in Echternach is traditionally led by a group from the Eifel village of Waxweiler. They walk the 40 kilometres to the small Luxembourg town. Many young people from the diocese of Trier have also been making the overnight pilgrimage on foot from various places to the Dancing Procession for decades. 

Traditionally, a group of pilgrims from Waxweiler in the Eifel leads the procession. They set out on foot for Echternach on Whit Sunday.

Among the 10,000 participants are bishops from France, the Netherlands and Germany. As in almost every year, Bishop Ackermann of Trier will also be in Echternach. He will once again mingle with the pilgrims and probably jump along himself.

Why is there the Echternach Dancing Procession?

The procession on the Tuesday after Pentecost is considered an important part of Luxembourg's national, religious and cultural identity. It is a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site.

Source

Cathcon: Wonderful tradition; shame about the dedication.