The History of The Passion Play
The Passion Play is performed every 10 years in a purpose built open air theatre incorporating the natural scenery into the backdrop. In 2010, the play will be performed in its 41st year.
Past visitors have commented that as a member of the audience, you feel part of the performance rather than simply watching it. It is a truly unbelievable ‘must do’ lifetime experience, which attracts regular pilgrimages from individuals every 10 years.
The history of the Oberammergau Passion Play dates back to 1633. At that time, the village was threatened by the dreaded Plague that was sweeping across the country, already claiming many lives in its path, including some in the village. Feeling scared and vulnerable, the people of Oberammergau swore an oath to perform the “Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every 10 years if God spared the village from extinction.
The unique tradition has continued throughout the centuries.
At Whitsun in 1634 the promise was fulfilled for the first time on a stage they had put up in the cemetery above the fresh graves of the plague victims.
Facts on the Passion Play:
- It lasts for 5 hours, with an interval for dinner
- More than 2000 people participate
- Performers must be Oberammergau natives, or been married to a native or have lived there for 10 years
- Performers consider it an honour to be a part of the Play and leave their businesses
- The play enacts the story of Jesus of Nazareth from his entry into Jerusalem, to his death on the cross, and his resurrection
- Since 1860, the German text has remained unchanged.
- From as early at the 18th century, spectators started attending, attracted by the fascination of the villagers vow to God
- The premiere takes place on Saturday 15 May 2010
- The Passion Play will be staged for a total of 102 days
- In 2010, and for the first time, the performance will begin in the afternoon, and the second part in the evening
- There are a total of 4720 seats in the Passion Play theatre, all of which have a good view to the stage
- The theatre is partly open air; all the seats are covered by a roof, hence, performances are never cancelled due to the prevailing weather
- The ‘Passionstheatre’ is also used for major concerts and operas
The Play
In 1633 the village of Oberammergau was threatened by the dreaded Plague that was sweeping across the country. The people of Oberammergau swore an oath to perform the “Play of the Suffering, Dying and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ” every 10 years if God spared the village from extinction. The Oberammergau Passion play has taken place every decade since then and the next Oberammergau Passion Play performance will take place in 2010. Read more about...the Passion Play in 2010.
The Tour
Our 2010 holidays to the Oberammergau Passion Play are 8 days and 7 nights in duration and include 2 nights in Oberammergau. We recommend that you choose a tour package with two nights in Oberammergau to make sure you thoroughly enjoy your Passion Play experience and that this crucial tour element is not rushed. Our selection of coach departure dates includes all the key holiday dates and should you prefer a particular travel date we urge you to book early. We also include 3 nights in Austria on our Oberammergau Passion Play 2010 and the 'Sound of Music' coach tour and two comfortable overnight stops en-route. Read more about...Our carefully planned Passion Play 2010 itinerary
Gold Crest Holidays
Gold Crest Holidays is a coach holiday operator - trading since 1990 - and fully bonded with ABTA for your financial protection. We offer coach tours, themed trips and short breaks throughout the UK & Europe. Our managers have experience of operating coach holidays to the Oberammergau Passion Play over the past three decades. Check out our main website for more information on...Gold Crest Holidays