Hussite Festival costumes: Return to the city gardener's house on July 11th!

Hussite Festival costumes: Return to the city gardener's house on July 11th!

On July 6, 2025, fans of Hussite history and culture can look forward to a special opportunity: the return of the costumes that were worn at this year's Hussite festival in Bernau is imminent. This highlight event, which took place on June 14, attracted the largest pageant turnout ever, with 1,700 participants. The anticipation for the parade could not be overlooked, as numerous historical costumes were selected by actors and taken from the city's inventory, which was designed by the talented designers Roswitha Hindemith and Dagmar Loewenberg. As Barnim Aktuell reports, the return will take place on Friday, July 11th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Stadtgärtnerhaus.

If you want to get ready for the nostalgic parade feeling in time, you can rent the costumes, which also include clothing, hats, shoes and other accessories, from the Bernau City Cultural Office. There is even the option of reserving a date for the loan. Interested actors can contact Babett Bartkowiak (Tel. 0 33 38 54 41) and Stefanie Petry (Tel. 0 33 38 365-281) for technical costume equipment. The return event involves thorough care of the costumes so that they are washed, mended and ironed before they are returned to the collection.

Cultural heritage and historical roots

The Hussite Festival has its roots in the life's work of the Bohemian reformer Jan Hus, who was born in 1369 and was known for his teachings on the renewal of the church. As Landscapes in Germany describes, Hus was burned as a heretic on July 6, 1415, which led to a variety of religious wars in Europe. His influence and teachings lived on in the rebellions of his followers, who were known for their particular views, such as the Lord's Supper in two forms. The Hussite festival in Bernau is a living reminder of this eventful history.

Bernau celebrates the resistance against the Hussites who stood in front of the city in 1432 when the well-armed city successfully defended itself. The annual celebrations were documented by documents, and over the centuries the festival has developed from religious processions to modern folk festivals. Bernau Live points out that more than 20,000 visitors are expected at this festival, which once again underlines the high importance of this tradition.

A look into the future

The next Hussite Festival will take place June 12-14, 2026, and the conclusion of this year's return event is sure to create anticipation for the upcoming festival. Since 2015, the city administration of Bernau has assumed primary responsibility for the organization and further development of this traditional event. In 1998, Bernau joined the Association of Cities with Hussite History, ensuring that the memory of the Hussites remains alive.

Anyone who would like to experience the festive atmosphere of the Hussite Festival themselves or is even considering a costumed adventure should inform themselves and make a reservation in good time, because these colorful historical festivals are not only a chance to experience history, but also part of a lively community.