Hünfeld's fire procession: 570 years of light against darkness!

Hünfeld's fire procession: 570 years of light against darkness!

The traditionally celebrated fire procession in Hünfeld shone in new splendor on July 4th and once again united the city's believers. This festive procession, which is more than 570 years old, took place this year on the day of St. Ulrich, considered the city's patron saint. The roots of this centuries-old tradition go back to 1453, after a devastating fire that devastated large parts of the city center. At that time, the citizens vowed to hold an annual procession to protect Hünfeld through the intercession of Saint Ulrich. According to the Fulda newspaper This is a unique combination of faith and memory that is still alive today.

This year around 250 believers took part in the procession and marched through Töpferstrasse and Mittelstrasse singing and praying. Participants carried lit candles that illuminated the darkness of the downtown area while store window lights remained darker. Those too East Hesse News emphasizes that the procession in this contemplative atmosphere is an impressive reminder of the city's past.

A sign of community

A prayer service took place at the town hall square, led by Pastor Dr. Michael Müller, Father Francis and community representative Ayleen Nüchter. In her powerful sermon, Nüchter emphasized that Christ wants to be light in crises and drew parallels between the fire procession and the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Hünfeld fire department. “The fire brigade not only puts out fires, but they also combat fear, loneliness and despair,” said Nüchter during the service. This message is intended to encourage believers to be lights to others and to remember that fire can both destroy and warm.

On the town hall steps, a picture of Saint Ulrich, created by the artist Jürgen Blum, added to the festive atmosphere. The fire procession is a symbolic reminder of the great fire that severely damaged the city center in 1450. The fire was contained on the eve of St. Ulrich's Festival, which motivated the citizens even more to start an annual tradition to protect the city, as documented by a foundation deed from 1493.

Participation and significance

Home and business owners were asked to turn off their lights before the procession to support the contemplative atmosphere. This tradition, in which people of both denominations come together, impressively shows how community and faith go hand in hand. The fire procession not only creates a space for reflection, but also strengthens togetherness in Hünfeld.

The procession ended with the return journey through Rathausgasse, Mittelstrasse and Töpferstrasse back to the parish church of St. Jakobus. This paved a slow but sure path into the darkness, accompanied by lights and prayers, underlining the deep-rooted traditions and strong faith of the Hünfeld citizens.