Sorbisches Osterreiten 2021 7z 011 May 2026

Traditionally, two processions from neighboring parishes exchange visits but must never cross paths ; the way there is one route, and the return is another, forming a sacred circle. Why 2021 Was Unique

The procession begins at the parish church, where the priest blesses the riders and hands over the church flags, a crucifix, and a statue of the risen Christ . Sorbisches Osterreiten 2021 7z 011

On Easter Sunday morning, the men don traditional black frock coats and top hats . Young men participating for the first time wear a small green myrtle wreath; those celebrating 25 or 50 years wear silver or gold wreaths. Young men participating for the first time wear

After centuries of continuity—surviving wars, political shifts, and the GDR era—the 2020 pandemic forced the first total halt of the official processions. By 2021, the Sorbian community in (between Bautzen, Kamenz, and Hoyerswerda) was determined to restore the ritual, albeit under strict health protocols. The riders move in pairs toward a neighboring

The riders move in pairs toward a neighboring parish to deliver the news: "Halleluja, Jesus lebt!" (Hallelujah, Jesus lives!). They sing hymns in Sorbian and Latin as they ride.