Page 28 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – January 2021

For assistance in planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Oberammergau, talk to your AAA Ohio Travel agent or log on to AAA.com/Travel.
The Oberammergau
Passion Play
Experience this Magnificent Performance in 2022
O nce every 10 years, in Germany’s small Bavarian village of Oberammergau, a theatrical religious production is performed, known as the
Passion Play. This inspiring play, which draws visitors from around the world, is based on the Bible’s account of the final days of Jesus Christ.
The story of the play began in 1633, at which time
the Oberammergau villagers promised to perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every 10th year, in so far as no one was to die of the ravaging bubonic plague anymore. The villagers were answered by God, and therefore in 1634, the first Passion Play took place.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Passion Play was postponed last year and moved until 2022, with performances being scheduled from mid-May to early October.
The five-hour production involves more than 2,000 performers, musicians and stage technicians, all residents of the village, who bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth
to the impressive open-air stage of the Passion Play Theatre. Almost half of Oberammergau’s population will devotedly act out the story of the man whose tidings for more than 2,000 years have brought hope and power of life to an incredible number of people.
In 2022, the 42nd Passion Play will be performed, and already tickets for the event are in high demand. Spoken dramatic text, music and songs are performed
in German, with a printed translation of the script available in English. In addition, visitors can enjoy backstage tours of the Passion Play Theater throughout the year.
AAA Travel has arranged to purchase tickets for this momentous event along with guided tours through beautiful regions of Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland.
Bavaria is a particularly lovely region of Germany, with abundant forests and mountain peaks, small medieval towns and vibrant cities such as Munich, the regional capital. A highlight of Bavaria is Neuschwanstein Castle,
an elaborate palace that was intended to be the home of Ludwig II of Bavaria, though he reportedly only spent 11 nights there. Today, the castle draws thousands of visitors each year. In Switzerland’s majestic Alps, one of the high- lights is a scenic train journey aboard the Glacier Express, which winds sinuously through tunnels and across bridges, affording lovely panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, rivers, alpine pastures and charming villages.
Snap the QR code to learn more. Or call your AAA Travel agent or visit AAA.com/Travel for travel planning assistance.
By Judith Karhan
Photos: Passion Play Oberammergau 2010
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