The charm and beauty of the village of Oberammergau nestled in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, was breathtaking. The Bavarian homes are typical, with wood carved balconies and gardens still bright with summer flowers. Many homes and shops are noted for their painted exteriors with religious themes or scenes from fairy tales, many dating back to the 18th century.
The tradition of the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play began with a vow made during the Thirty Years' War. Bavaria was hit by a devastating plague epidemic, which claimed more than 80 lives in Oberammergau alone. In 1633 hoping to secure God's help, the village elders vowed to have a Passion Play every 10 years if the village were freed from the plague. The epidemic ceased and in 1634 the people of Oberammergau fulfilled their vow. For the past four centuries the tradition has continued every ten years. This year the Passion Play took place from the 15th of May until the 3rd of October. The first act of the play was in the afternoon. We broke for dinner and than came back for the second act.
In Oberammergau the Passion Play is performed exclusively by amateur actors, who were either born in Oberammergau or have lived there at least 20 years. Some 2,200 of the 5,300 inhabitants were involved either on stage or backstage, 550 of them children. The play is in German and we had detailed play booklets in English.
