The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play dates back
to the middle of the Thirty Years War. In 1633, after
months of suffering from the Bubonic Plague, the people
of Oberammergau took a vow to God to perform the "Play
of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of our Lord
Jesus Christ" every ten years if they were spared.
Miraculously from that point on they all survived and
true to their word, their first performance was in 1634.
This simple performance was held in a meadow and acted
by the villagers. After 1674 they decided to change the
date, so as to fall every ten years beginning in 1680.
The only time it was not performed, was during World War
II.
Passion Plays recount the life and ministry of Jesus
Christ from the four gospels in a dramatic form. This
tradition began in the Middle Ages and are often
performed in churches during Easter week.
The entire cast consists of villagers who have lived in
Oberammergau for at least 20 years. They must be
amateurs and people of high moral and ethical
principles. Villagers also make the outstanding
costumes. No wigs are used and participants must grow
their hair and beards for several months prior to the
performances, beginning on Ash Wednesday 2009.
The Oberammergau Passion Play runs for about seven
hours. The afternoon performance starts at 2:30 PM and
ends at 5:00 PM. There is a three hour break for dinner
and the play resumes at 8 PM and ends at 10:30 PM. The
play is performed in German
This time the play will open on May 15, 2010 and ends on
October 3, 2010.
Celtic Tours is please to offer you three different tour
options:
17-Day PASSION PLAY WITH EASTERN EUROPEAN PANORAMA
13-Day PASSION PLAY WITH VIENNA TO WARSAW
7-Day PASSION PLAY WITH MUNICH & VIENNA
There
are several different GUARANTEED departures to choose
from.
Airfare will be available for these tours
11 months prior to departure, however, land portion can be
purchased now.
Limited number of seats available on a first come first
serve basis.
Ireland