The nine-day Libori Festival, with a unique mixture of church, fair and culture, attracts around 1.5 million visitors every year.
The celebration of a Saint is combined with; freshly brewed beer, a giant street fair and a market.
The event lasts for nine days each July. Libori is one of the largest folk festivals in Germany. The roots go back to the year AD 836.
Libori is Paderborn's "fifth season"
The celebrations have their origin in the church consecration. Since the 9th century there has been a consecration festival in Paderborn. Over time Libori grew into both a religious and secular celebration.
St. Liborius died on the 23rd July, he was the patron saint of the cathedral, the diocese and the city.
In AD 836 the relics of Liborius were returned to Paderborn from Le Mans, France, where they were buried.
The gift of the Liborius relics was the cornerstone of the "bond of love of eternal brotherhood" between the churches of Le Mans France and Paderborn.
The procession of the relics of St. Liborius reached Paderborn after a four-week journey at Pentecost. Accounts at the time reported signs and wonders, such as healing the sick along the route.
Liborius was Bishop of Le Mans in the 4th century. He came from a noble Gallic family and was influenced by Roman culture. Little is known of his life. He died between AD 397 and AD 401.
Liborius was a contemporary and friend of St. Martin of Tours. Miracles of healing are said to have happened at his grave soon after his death.
Liborikirmes (The Libori fair)
The secular Libori festival is celebrated in front of the historic town hall and the Liboriberg. The Mayor opens the traditional tapping of the barrel and three cannon shots indicate that Paderborn's "fifth season" has begun.
One of the daily attractions of the secular festival is the beer fountain with a colorful entertainment program in front of the historical city hall. There the thirsty guest receives a special Libori mug and gets poured the famous Paderborn beer from the "Jubelhennes"
Every year, the Libori Festival concludes with a magnificent firework display on the last Libori Sunday after sunset.