How to make the most of the Pentecost holiday weekend in Germany

Get ready to stock up on food, drink and sunscreen because the next nationwide public holiday is arriving in Germany. May 25th is Whit Monday or Pfingstmontag – a nationwide public holiday (Feiertag) – resulting in a long weekend. 

You know the drill by now: shops, supermarkets, workplaces and schools will close for the day, meaning that you should get plenty of supplies in beforehand. 

The long weekend could also bring some of the warmest weather of the year so far, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could climb above 30C in parts of the country.

But what exactly is Pfingsten about and how do Germans mark it?

READ ALSO: What's open and closed for Pentecost in Germany?

Why is it a public holiday?

Like many public holidays in Germany, Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday, has religious roots.

It falls on the day after Whitsun, or Pentecost Sunday, which comes seven weeks after Easter. In Christian tradition, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus, as described in the Bible.

For practising Christians around the world, Pentecost is among the most important dates in the church calendar. For many people in Germany today, however, Pfingstmontag is primarily a welcome extra day off as part of a long weekend.

READ ALSO: Pfingstmontag – why is Monday a public holiday in Germany?

How do Germans celebrate the event?

Across Germany, many families use the long weekend for short trips, bike rides or visits with relatives.

The holiday is also marked by regional traditions and festivals.

In Frankfurt, the traditional folk festival Wäldchestag, running from May 22nd to May 26th, attracts crowds with fairground rides, food stalls and apple wine celebrations.

In the village of Marwede in Lower Saxony, locals burn a straw figure known as the Pfingstkarl before the embers are doused with beer.

One of the best-known traditions takes place in Bavaria, where thousands gather for the Kötztinger Pfingstritt – a horseback procession dating back to the 15th century.

Around 900 riders in traditional costume travel through the Bavarian Forest accompanied by cross-bearers and church groups.

Berlin's Carnival of Cultures – Karneval der Kulturen

Although not directly linked to Pfingsten, Berlin’s Karneval der Kulturen has become one of the capital’s signature Whitsun weekend events.

Over four days – from May 22nd until May 25th – the festival brings together music, dance and food from communities around the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The highlight is the colourful street parade along Frankfurter Allee and Karl-Marx-Allee, featuring performers ranging from Brazilian samba groups to Chinese lion dancers.

It sets off on Sunday May 24th at 1.30pm, ending at the Kino International. 

A street festival in the Blücherplatz area of Kreuzberg involves music, food and hundreds of arts and craft stalls.

Meanwhile, several of Berlin's clubs will host Karneval parties, including Gretchen, the Maaya Club, and the Navra Lounge.

Heatwave incoming 

After a mixed start to spring, Germany will see a burst of early summer weather over the Pentecost weekend.

Forecasts suggest temperatures may reach around 30C in several regions on Saturday, with isolated hotspots potentially climbing to 34C. 

The German Weather Service (DWD) has also warned that thunderstorms are possible in some parts of the country.

READ ALSO: Seven unmissable events in Germany this May