The Lukasmarkt has been known for centuries as an inner-city folk festival. Over nine days, between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors come to Mayen's city center. The Lukasmarkt can therefore rightly be described as one of the largest folk festivals in Rhineland-Palatinate.
The Lukasmarkt was given its current name in 1405 after the three annual markets that had previously been held on St. Mary's Day were moved to other dates. Since then, Lukasmarkt has been held in the week around October 18. This is because the name day of St. Luke must fall in the week of the event. The rule of thumb is therefore: the earliest date is October 10 to 18, the latest date is October 16 to 24.