The Lukasmarkt in Mayen, Germany, is one of the most beloved and historic folk festivals in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. Every October, the usually quiet town of Mayen transforms into a bustling fairground filled with lights, music, and the scent of roasted almonds. The festival runs for nine days, taking over the city centre; particularly the Marktplatz, Bäckerstraße, Burgfrieden, and Boemundring; and in 2025 it will take place from the 11th to the 19th of October. With a tradition that dates back to 1405, when Archbishop Werner von Falkenstein moved three annual markets to coincide with the feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist, the event has deep roots in the town’s history. What began as a market for goods and livestock has evolved into a vibrant combination of funfair, marketplace, and cultural celebration, drawing between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors every year.
During the festival, Mayen becomes a lively maze of rides, food stands, and stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to household items. The fair features a “Krammarkt,” a daily goods market that stretches through the streets for all nine days. On Tuesday and Wednesday, these two main “market days,” the event reaches its peak, with over 200 traders setting up throughout the pedestrian zone. The fair also preserves its agricultural traditions with two important events: the horse market on Tuesday, held at the Viehmarktplatz on Polcher Straße, and the sheep market on Wednesday, the only one of its kind in all of Rhineland-Palatinate. Thursday is dedicated to families, offering reduced prices on many rides and attractions, while the final Sunday ends in a spectacular fireworks display launched near the historic Genovevaburg castle.
Visiting the Lukasmarkt is as much about atmosphere as it is about activities. The inner city’s medieval layout creates a charming setting for the festival’s modern amusements. Walking through the cobblestone streets, visitors encounter carousels, food stands selling bratwurst and sweets, and vendors calling out over the hum of laughter and music. Many of the rides and stands now accept card or mobile payments, but cash is still widely used. Families will find plenty to enjoy, especially on Family Day, though it’s worth remembering that the crowds and noise can be intense. Dogs are allowed but generally discouraged for that reason.
The city provides well-organized logistics for the influx of visitors. Special “Park & Ride” services operate on the Sundays and during the Tuesday horse market, with parking lots connected to the centre by shuttle buses. Regular parking areas such as the Viehmarktplatz are available on other days, though some are restricted during major market events. Visitors are encouraged to follow the city’s signage and use public transport when possible, as several streets are closed to cars during setup and operation of the fair.
Beyond the rides and markets, the Lukasmarkt captures the spirit of a living tradition. It is at once a modern Volksfest, complete with thrill rides and bright lights, and a centuries-old meeting place rooted in Mayen’s history as a market town. Locals see it as the highlight of the year; a time when the city comes alive with music, laughter, and community pride. For tourists, it offers a rare chance to experience an authentic German fair that still retains its historic soul. Whether you visit to shop, to enjoy the food and music, or simply to be part of the crowd under the autumn lights, the Lukasmarkt remains a celebration of both past and present, ending each year with fireworks over the castle that has watched over Mayen for centuries.
The Backfischbrötchen (battered fillet of fried fish in a bun), bier and pommes is highly recommended!
