The Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavarian Germany

The life and death of Jesus Christ– the religious leader said to be born of a virgin, who performed miracles throughout his life, and whom the Romans crucified for his beliefs story has been performed since 1634 as the Oberammergau Passion Play. 

Jesus of Nazareth became the central figure of Christianity, in which he’s believed to have been the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) that the Old Testament had prophesied.

After his tragic, untimely death, his spiritually driven life inspired four gospels written by his apostles and defined many of Christianity’s central doctrines and teachings. 

Nearly 2000 years after his crucifixion, the story of Jesus Christ continues to be re-enacted around the Easter holiday every year, all across the Christian world. 

But once every 10 years in a small Bavarian town, a truly unique event occurs: An entire German village of over 2,000 people takes to the stage.

It’s known as the Oberammergau Passion Play, and the massive production has become world renowned, drawing over half a million people who travel to see the biggest, most elaborate passion play in the world. 

READ MORE: German Christmas Cookies- Lebkuchen Recipe (aka German Gingerbread)

Oberammergau Passion Play Guide

• The Passion of Jesus Christ
• The Crucifixion
• The Passion Play In Oberammergau Germany
• The History Of The Oberammergau Passion Play
• Oberammergau Passion Play History
• Things To Do in Oberammergau, Germany

READ MORE: The 20 Best Cultural Festivals Around the World

THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST

The Passion of Jesus Christ refers to the final period of his life, from the moment when he triumphantly entered Jerusalem to cheering crowds on Palm Sunday up until his crucifixion on Mount Calvary.

In this case, the term passion refers to an account of the physical suffering and death of a Christian martyr (from the Latin passio, which means “to endure” or “to suffer”). 

Christ’s passion is considered among Christians to be the passion, and centers around the climatic event of his suffering on the cross, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice and salvation.

Passion plays are reenactments of important life events, and the Passion of Jesus has been brought to life in many forms of art throughout history.

You can see it portrayed in ancient frescoes, in stained glass windows, and inspiring books and films (including Mel Gibson’s controversial 2004 biblical drama, which graphically portrayed the violent brutality of…