Herz- Jesu- Prozession Wattens 2026

Sacred Heart Tradition in Wattens (Thanks to Anton Walder for video & photos, private photo donors, editing & text Reinhard Rovara © 2026) The Sacred Heart procession in Wattens is one of the most important religious and traditional events in Tyrol. A living tradition is the Sacred Heart fires, which are lit on the eve of the procession on the mountains around Wattens and are visible from afar. Solemn Opening The Sacred Heart celebrations began with an open-air Mass in the nature park near the Haus am Kirchfeld. The Mass and the subsequent procession were celebrated by Vicar Brother Antony Manuel, OFMCap, lay minister Rupert Stock, and parish curator Dr. Volodymyr Horbal. Procession to Kreuzbichl The procession then proceeded to Kreuzbichl, where the festively decorated altars provided a dignified setting for the celebration. The procession was co-organized by the Wattenberg brass band, the Rettenberg rifle company of Wattens/Wattenberg, and numerous delegations from local associations in the municipality of Wattens. Among those represented were the Edelweiss traditional costume club, the Kolping Society, the Scouts, the parish youth group, the Young Farmers' Association, representatives of the farming community, and the St. Sebastian Brotherhood. Vow and Parish Festival The solemn conclusion of the procession was the Sacred Heart Vow in front of St. Mary's Church. Afterwards, the many attendees were invited to the parish festival in the parish garden, where the tradition continued in a convivial atmosphere. Musical accompaniment was provided by the Wattenberg brass band and the Vögelsberg musicians. Historical Background The origin of the festival dates back to the Sacred Heart Vow of 1796. When Tyrol was threatened by the Napoleonic Wars, the Tyrolean Estates entrusted the land to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and promised to celebrate the festival solemnly every year. Since then, the Sacred Heart Sunday has become an important part of Tyrolean tradition.