Once every 10 years, the quaint village of Oberammergau, Bavaria, Germany, stages a huge production of the Passion Play.
Every time, the world gathers to witness the Passion Play and it is with great anticipation that another of the spectacular plays will be presented in 2010
Since 1634, Oberammergau has staged this play every 10 years. It was said that in 1634 the bubonic plague, known as Black Death, wreaked havoc on Europe’s population. The tiny village of Oberammergau stayed clear of the disease until one villager returned home and brought the disease with him. About 100 people died as a result.
The survivors pledged to re-enact Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and the crucifixion every 10 years if God would save them from the plague. There were no more deaths from the plague, and it has been a tradition of Oberammergau to fulfill its pledge ever since.
There are about 2,000 residents of Oberammergau who take part in the Passion Play. Some are actors, some singers and musicians and many are technicians. It is said that some of the main parts in the play are passed down from generation to generation.
Be prepared for a long play, lasting about seven hours, with a dinner break during the intermission. The play will be performed daily from May 15 to October 3, but because it is such a small village, the accommodations sell out rapidly.
Each performance holds about 5,000 persons and approximately 500,000 persons attend this play over the course of the five months.
You might want to stay close by in Munich, Heidelberg or Augsburg, Germany, if hotels in Oberammergau are sold out.
Pre-planning is crucial in being able to attend the Passion Play. There are several companies that include the Passion Play as part of a tour package to Germany, and many of these tour companies have hotel rooms reserved in Oberammergau and the surrounding towns.
You might want to include sightseeing in the countries that surround Germany such as Switzerland, Austria and maybe even the Netherlands.
When traveling through Germany, visit Worms where Martin Luther presented his case in 1521. And how about Mainz and a visit to the Gutenberg Museum where you will see original copies of the Bible?
Germany is also home to numerous castles and the Rhine River. Make time to cruise on the Rhine. The countryside is unforgettable.
Have you ever wanted to retrace the missionary journey of Apostle Paul’s visit to Corinth, where he worked for 18 months? You can also spend time in Ephesus and Philippi, where Paul traveled and wrote his epistle Acts.
You can cruise the Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Patmos on your way to Turkey, and take time to explore the countryside where many of the early churches began.
You can also visit the Vatican and the church’s rich history across Europe. Spend time in Rome if you can. Visit the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square, the Basilica and the Holy Stairs.
The following are a few suggestions for what to wear when entering cathedrals and churches that are open to the public.
For Men
• Wear long pants. Shorts are too casual.
• No hats. And no hands in pockets.
For Women
• Some cathedrals require that your hair be covered with a scarf, so tuck one into your bag or pocket just in case.
• Long skirts are best, but pants are often okay, too.
• Plan on wearing a shirt with sleeves, or bring a sweater to wear when entering the cathedral.
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