Kapuzenzug

Kapuzenzug is a traditional festival taking place in Germany, specifically in the Bavarian region. The name "Kapuzenzug" roughly translates to "cowl procession" or "cowl train", referring to the cowls or hoods worn by participants.

The Kapuzenzug festival typically occurs on the first Sunday after August 15, a day celebrated as the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. It dates back to the 17th century, when it originated in the Catholic parishes of Lower Bavaria. The festivities involve a procession of locals wearing traditional attire, including cowls, and they often march together in a ritual dance.

The participants, usually young men and women, are instructed to wear a cowl in addition to their regular festival attire, to create a cohesive, uniform image. During the procession, the group typically renders a farewell, salutes to church gates, and renders a greeting to the locals along their route. This is largely a symbolic gesture, paying homage to the church and the community.

When walking in the Kapuzenzug procession, participants customarily greet each other and the locals with a num py of traditional phrases. The procession ultimately culminates in the local church, where participants receive absolution and offer prayers, cleanse themselves, and the Horstigspeuj boys initiate it.