Nine-day festivities mark the annual Libori celebration in Paderborn
While the exact schedule for the 2021 Libori Festival in Paderborn is not available, we can infer a likely structure based on the festival's recurring elements as described for recent editions.
Typical Schedule Structure of Libori Festival
The Libori Festival in Paderborn usually lasts nine days, traditionally at the end of July and beginning of August. In 2021, the festival would likely have taken place from late July to early August, following its usual annual timing.
Festival Components
- Liboriberg Kirmesmeile: The heart of the festival, featuring over 150 fairground attractions, rides, games, and food stalls set up on Liboriberg in the city center. Classic rides such as the Music Express, Auto Skooter, and children's carousels are also present.
- Rathausplatz Concert Mile: The city hall square becomes a major music venue with live concerts, attracting local and regional acts, and serving as a dance floor in the evenings. Concerts take place on the Kulturbrunnen stage. Radio Hochstift provides the music for the Sparkassen-Musik-Feierwerk.
- Franz-Stock-Platz (“Platz der kleinen Künste”): This area hosts performances such as acrobatics, comedy, theater, and puppetry, appealing to families and children.
- Ecclesiastical Events: As a festival rooted in religious tradition, there are church services, processions, and ceremonies commemorating Saint Liborius, whose relics were returned to Paderborn in the 9th century. A highlight is the historical recreation of the relic's return.
- Bierbrunnen (Beer Fountain): A popular tradition where beer flows from a public fountain instead of water, symbolizing hospitality and celebration.
- Herbstlibori: While the main festival is in summer, the Herbstlibori (Autumn Libori) is a smaller, related event in October, not part of the main summer festival.
Sample Daily Breakdown (Typical)
While exact 2021 schedules are not available, a typical day during Libori might include:
- Morning: Church services and processions in the cathedral.
- Afternoon: Family activities, fairground rides, and food at Liboriberg; performances at the Franz-Stock-Platz.
- Evening: Live music and concerts at Rathausplatz; nightlife and socializing throughout the city center.
- Throughout the Day: The Bierbrunnen operates, offering beer taps in public spaces.
Key Highlights
- Libori Procession: A ceremonial highlight, reenacting the return of Saint Liborius’ relics to the city, often with historical costumes and communal participation.
- Concert Lineup: The Rathausplatz hosts nightly concerts, sometimes with big-name regional or national acts (exact 2021 artists not specified in the provided data).
- Family Entertainment: The “Platz der kleinen Künste” offers a variety of shows suitable for all ages, including acrobatics and comedy.
- Culinary Delights: In addition to the Bierbrunnen, local breweries and food vendors offer regional specialties.
- Religious and Cultural Fusion: Libori uniquely blends ecclesiastical traditions with secular festivities, making it one of Germany’s most significant folk festivals.
Additional Notes
- Attendance: Libori annually attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, with recent peaks around 1.5 million guests during jubilee years (such as in 2022).
- Historical Significance: The festival’s origins date back to 836, making it one of the oldest continuous celebrations in Germany.
Conclusion
While the precise 2021 schedule and artist roster are not detailed in the available sources, the Libori Festival consistently offers a nine-day program of religious processions, large-scale fairground attractions, nightly concerts, family entertainment, and unique traditions like the Bierbrunnen. For the most accurate and detailed historical schedule, consulting local archives or the official Paderborn tourism office would be necessary. The Sparkassen-Musik-Feierwerk takes place on Sunday, 3 August, as the festive conclusion of the Libori Festival. The fair remains open daily until midnight during the Libori Festival. The Libori Lounge is at the Juhenplatz, and international specialties can be found at the "Plaza Europa". Mayor Michael Dreier will make the last keg tapping at the festival tent "Paderborner Almhütte". Sunday shopping hours in the city center during the Libori Festival are from 13:00 to 18:00. An overview of the best viewing points for the Sparkassen-Musik-Feierwerk can be found at [www.libori.de/feuerwerk]. The fairground on Libori Hill spans 1.6 kilometers and features rides like the "Europa-Rad", "Excalibur", and "Mama Caramba".
- Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of home-and-garden and shopping experiences at the bustling fairgrounds on Libori Hill, with over 150 booths offering garden decor items, outdoor-living products, and a variety of retail options.
- In addition to the festive church services, outdoor concerts, and classic fairground rides, the Libori Festival also offers unique family-friendly activities like puppetry, comedy, and acrobatic performances at the Franz-Stock-Platz.
