Bad Kissingen remembers its historical spa guests with its traditional Rakoczy festival
Bad Kissingen celebrates exuberantly with nostalgic flair Every year, an exclusive festival takes place in Bad Kissingen on the last weekend of July. Thousands of guests experience a varied entertainment program with musical highlights. In doing so, Bad Kissingen celebrates the rediscovery of the Rakoczy spring from 1737 in historical retrospect. In addition, historical personalities are brought back to life in old, glamorous clothes and robes. During this festive weekend, popular Franconian specialities leave nothing to be desired. The charming highlights of the colourful spectacle include the Rakoczy ball in the Max Littmann Hall, the historic pageant, as well as the brilliant fireworks at the end.
Symbols of an ancient past
For a weekend, the cityscape of Bad Kissingen changes to the time of the monarchy in honour of its spa visitors. Expressive gala costumes, impressive penny-farthings and flower-decorated carriages spread romantic charm. Numerous amateur actors commemorate emperors, kings and artists of the time. At that time, they used the healing waters that are still famous today and the relaxing atmosphere of the spa town for their vitality and health. During your stay in Bad Kissingen, you may, therefore, run into King Ludwig of Bavaria, Sissi (Elisabeth of Bavaria and Empress of Austria) or Otto of Bismarck.
Old rituals relived
Fascinating performances of ancient customs and traditional scenes fascinate the guests. At the largest city festival in Bad Kissingen, the journey back to the past begins on Friday evening. After dark, visitors to the festival can watch the famous spa guests of past times glide down the Saale in a sea of floating candles. Among them is fairy tale king Ludwig II, Empress Auguste Victoria and Prince Regent Luitpold. The "burning hall" creates a special atmosphere every year. On Saturday, the guests can witness the performance of former personalities by the chief steward at the ceremony in the spa garden. The spa guests of royal times on display, then make their way to the regent building to Hungarian count Rákóczy. People are invited to dance at the festival ball held there. The Polonaise from the Max Littmann hall to the spa garden takes place before the eyes of thousands of guests.
Atmospheric music accompanies every festive day
A colourful program of musical performances creates a successful framework for all festive days. The appealing live music guarantees a positive atmosphere. In addition to the accompanying music for the festive ball in the Max Littmann hall, the sound of music can be heard elsewhere. In front of the Eulenspiegel, at the market square or on the media field, music can be heard everywhere; jazz, rock or pop to folk music and folklore. On all streets and alleys, as well as in the restaurants of the entire inner city, there is party mood.
Highlights towards the end of Rakoczy festival
On Sunday afternoon, the historic procession takes place. In addition, splendidly decorated floats and historic carriages, as well as orchestras and marching bands, make their way through the town. In the pompously prepared car, you can pay tribute to the Austrian imperial couple, Chancellor Otto of Bismarck and Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The festival visitors also cheer at the writer Theodor Fontane, the composer Giacchino Rossini or the master builder Balthasar Neumann. For a festive conclusion, visitors are inspired by impressive fireworks.
The so-called Rosarium was once created exclusively for citizens. Experience magical musical water choreographies every day where water fountains dance to the most diverse pieces of music.
Bad Kissingen has a professional 13-member spa orchestra. With its high musical and artistic qualities, the spa orchestra inspires visitors almost every day.
