Oberammergau Passion Play

What made Oberammergau famous, was its performance of the Passion of Christ every decade. It is believed that the Passion Play has been held every 10 years since 1634. A play of life and death, promised in a moment of mortal threat, and so began the history of the Oberammergau Passion Play in 1633.  During that time, the Black Plague was sweeping through Europe. The villagers of Oberammergau vowed that if their town was spared, they would perform the Passion of Christ every 10 years. The town was spared, and it is amazing that they have been honoring this pledge from generation to generation.

The Oberammergau Passion Play is performed in an open-air stage in the Bavarian town of Oberammergau, Germany.  The Passion Play is performed every 10 years, and was supposed to take place this year, but was cancelled due to COVID-19.  The next time you can see it will be May through October 2022, which will be the 42nd production of the world-renowned play.  The premiere is now scheduled for May 21, 2022.

Where is Oberammergau?

 Oberammergau is a town located approximately 60 miles from Munich. The town is beautiful, surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque meadows. The village is known for woodcarving. There are dozens of woodcarver shops. The town is also famous for its Bavarian themes painted along side many of the homes and buildings.

Interesting Facts About the Oberammergau Passion Play

·       To be in the play, you must be a resident of Oberammergau.

·      Over 2,000 citizens are involved including acting, singing, musicians and technical support.

·      There are 124 speaking roles, a 65-member orchestra, 48 person chorus and hundreds of people involved in the back end including stagehands, seamstresses, firemen, auditorium attendants and more.

·      Men grow out their hair and beards to make the look authentic to the time. Costumes are hand-made.

·      The play is held May through late September or early October.  During these months, the play is performed 5 days per week in an open-air theater which seats about 4,700 people. The performance begins at 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is then a dinner break, and the play resumes from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

·      The play is performed in German, but it doesn’t seem to stop people from all over the world, including those that are not of religious backgrounds that are intrigued by the way the town comes together to perform this play. It is anticipated over 750,000 will attend in 2022.

·      The Passion Play theater is open, and the background of the mountains makes it an unforgettable scene. 

Preparations are underway for the next Passion Play in the tiny Bavarian hamlet of Oberammergau.  The shows in 2022 may seem distant, but the excitement and planning are already building for the next production.  Tickets are on sale- 2 years in advance!  They will sell out quick, and the play will not be performed again until 2032.  

Call Sweet Magnolia Travel today to purchase your tickets and to plan your travel arrangements!