The quaint village of Oberammergau, in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in Bavaria, Germany, is world famous for its spectacular Passion Play, performed by the locals just once a decade.

 

In the early 1630s the Black Death decimated Europe's population.  Oberammergau remained untouched until a homesick villager returned one night, unknowingly bringing with him the dreaded plague.  Almost 100 villagers died as a result.

 

Frightened survivors vowed that if God saved them from the plague, once every 10 years they would re-enact the agony and crucifixion of Christ.  From then on there were no further deaths from the plague-and the villagers have fulfilled their pledge ever since.

 

The Oberammergau Passion Play was first performed in 1634 and is now performed in years ending with a zero, except 1984 which was the 350th anniversary.  It involves over 2000 actors, singers, instrumentalists and technicians, all residents of the village, with rehearsals starting at least a year before the event.

 

The play depicts the story of Jesus Christ's passion, beginning with the entry into Jerusalem and ending with the resurrection and transfiguration.  Each performance starts at 2:30 pm and ends approximately at 10:30. These times are subject to change by the Passion Play committee.  Dinner break lasts about three hours.

 

The Passion Play Theatre has an open-air stage framed by magnificent alpine scenery.  A covered auditorium has almost 5,000 seats.

 

Tens of thousands of people, of all faiths, flock to Oberammergau during the performance season.

 

Further information is available on request.