Oberammergau is a small village nestled into one of the most stunning, unspoilt regions in Germany – Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. This charming village is known not only for its once-in-a-decade Passion Play, but also for its beautiful façade painting (Lüftlmalerei) at the house walls and for the art handicraft of the professional woodcarver (Herrgottschnitzer).
Garmisch Partenkirchen
Nearly 400 years ago, the history of the Passion Play began. Back in 1634, the town of Oberammergau was hit by a devastating plague. The townsfolk vowed that they would perform the Passion of Christ once every ten years if that plague spared them. Believing themselves to have been spared by the grace of God Himself, the villagers kept up their end of the bargain, and in 1634 the people of Oberammergau produced the first ever Passionsspiele. The promise has been kept until today.
Passion Play
The Passion Play is an important event in the life of Oberammergau residents and one which they embrace with enthusiasm. Hundreds of locals put up an unforgettable show that is attended by over 500,000 people from all over the world. The show is complete with impeccable costumes and makeup, haunting music, brilliant scripts, and gorgeous settings. Each performance is held in two sittings – each lasting for two and a half hours – with a three hour break in between. The play is performed in German but booklets with translations in other languages are available. In 2020, it will be performed for the 42nd time by the inhabitants of the village from 16th May 2020 to 4th October 2020 at the Passion Play Theater.
Passion Play Theatre
Besides enjoying the once-in-a-decade Passion Play at Oberammergau, you will also get to visit many fabulous landscapes of Germany. Read here for more information.
