Johannisnacht Mainz

St. John's Night in Mainz is a four-day public festival celebrated in honor of Johannes Gutenberg.

Origin and significance: St. John's Night was first held in 1968, the year of the 500th anniversary of Johannes Gutenberg's death. Karl Delorme, then head of social affairs and himself a trained printer, initiated the festival.

Since then, the memory of the great inventor Johannes Gutenberg has been celebrated, especially around St. John's Day on June 24. One of the popular traditions is the “Gautschen”, the baptism of the printer. This old guild custom symbolically washes away the sins of the apprenticeship years and the lead dust - in a large wooden barrel filled with water.

Events and activities:

Artists' market: Handmade works of art, jewelry, clothing and decorations are offered at the artists' market from the Kurfürstenbrunnen to Fischtorplatz.

Street art: Street artists offer a varied spectacle, from bagpipe melodies to mobile puppet theaters.

Traditions: The “Gautschen” (book printer's baptism) and the medieval dice game “Preisquadräteln” are popular traditions.

Stage program: Theater, cabaret, jugglers and music on the stages in the city center.

Sporting events: sailing regatta and the traditional Three Bridges Run.

Rhine fun: Attractive offers for the whole family on the banks of the Rhine in front of the Electoral Palace.

St. John's Night is a cheerful festival that combines art, culture and fun in the open air. And best of all: admission is free!