500 years of peasant war: large festival program in Mansfeld-Südharz!

500 years of peasant war: large festival program in Mansfeld-Südharz!

Mansfeld-Südharz, Deutschland - The Saxony-Anhalt Region, in particular the district of Mansfeld-Südharz, is standing an exciting year. The end of the German Farmers' War marks the end of the German Peasant War in 2025! Numerous events are planned to commemorate the events of 1525, in which the theologian and preacher Thomas Müntzer played a central role. [MZ] reports that the focus is on the historical locations such as Allstedt, Mansfeld, Bad Frankenhausen, Heldrungen and Mühlhausen.

As part of the 500th anniversary, visitors can expect a diverse program. The reconciliation of the farm battle in Bad Frankenhausen on September 6th and 7th, which promises a real spectacle with around 1,000 contributors and tickets for 11 euros. Art lovers can look forward to the “glowing horizons” art course in the historic Allstedt, where impressive sculptures and installations are shown until October 5. Other events also include a medieval market in Stolberg, which wants to attract many visitors from May 23 to 25 with the motto "Kurzweyl as in Müntzer's time".

a diverse program for all generations

In the entire district, a varied program is set up to reflect on the historical context of the peasant war. The state exhibition "Justigkeyt 1525" is the highlight of the organizers and will take place at several locations. As part of this exhibition, a reflection on the social inequalities and the situation of today's farmers is initiated. [Kultur.sachsen-Anhalt] emphasizes that this exhibition is financed by federal and state funds and work together several institutions, including the Luther Memorial Foundation and the State Museum for Halle.

The events aim to honor the values ​​of the Reformation and to promote the regional identities. Oratorios to Thomas Müntzer are performed in Mühlhausen and Allstedt, in Stolberg the performance of the play "Thomas Müntzer - son of Stolberg" is a real highlight on the Reformation Day. The Allstedter Castle Museum opens a virtual exhibition on July 13 that deals with Müntzer's work.

The historical background

But who was this Thomas Müntzer, who is considered one of the key figures in the peasant war? Born in Stolberg and trained at the University of Leipzig, Müntzer joined the Wittenberg Reformation and vehemently criticized the decay of the church and society. [University Archive Leipzig] describes how on July 13, 1524 he called the princes to support the uprising against the conditions considered unjust, which led to massive unrest. On May 15, 1525, however, he lost to the Fürstenheer with the insurgent farmers and was then captured. His execution on May 27, 1525 marked the tragic end of his life and ideals.

Overall, the numerous events combine the historical events with current topics and want to point out the realities of life of today's farmers. Throughout the year, the memory of the unrest and the radicality of that time should remain. An exciting year full of history, art and hands-on activities was waiting for all visitors in the Mansfeld-Südharz region!