500 years of the Peasants' War: Big festival program in Mansfeld-South Harz!

500 years of the Peasants' War: Big festival program in Mansfeld-South Harz!

The Saxony-Anhalt region, especially the Mansfeld-Südharz district, is facing an exciting year. 2025 marks the anniversary of the end of the German Peasants' War, and that will be celebrated! 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 historical locations such as Allstedt, Mansfeld, Bad Frankenhausen, Heldrungen and Mühlhausen.

As part of the 500th anniversary, visitors can expect a diverse program. What particularly stands out is the re-enactment of the Peasants' Battle in Bad Frankenhausen on September 6th and 7th, which promises a real spectacle with around 1,000 participants and tickets for 11 euros. Art lovers can look forward to the “Glowing Horizons” art course in historic Allstedt, where impressive sculptures and installations will be on display until October 5th. Other events also include a medieval market in Stolberg, which aims to attract many visitors from May 23rd to 25th with the motto “Kurzweyl like in Müntzer's time”.

A diverse program for all generations

A varied program is being organized throughout the district to reflect the historical context of the Peasants' War. The state exhibition “Gerechtigkeyt 1525” is the highlight of the organizers and will take place at several locations. This exhibition stimulates reflection on social inequalities and the conditions of today's farmers. [kultur.sachsen-anhalt] emphasizes that this exhibition is financed by federal and state funds and that several institutions are working together, including the Luther Memorials Foundation and the Halle State Museum of Prehistory.

The events aim to celebrate the values ​​of the Reformation and promote regional identities. Oratorios by Thomas Müntzer are performed in Mühlhausen and Allstedt, and in Stolberg the performance of the piece “Thomas Müntzer – Son of Stolberg” on Reformation Day is a real highlight. The Allstedt Castle Museum is opening a virtual exhibition on July 13th 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 Peasants' War? Born in Stolberg and educated at the University of Leipzig, Müntzer joined the Wittenberg Reformation and vehemently criticized the decline of the church and society. [universitaetsarchivleipzig] describes how on July 13, 1524 he called on the princes to support the uprising against conditions that were considered unjust, which led to massive unrest. On May 15, 1525, however, he and the rebellious farmers were defeated by the prince's army and were subsequently taken prisoner. His execution on May 27, 1525 marked the tragic end of his life and his ideals.

Overall, the numerous events combine historical events with current topics and aim to point out the realities of today's farmers. The aim is to remember the unrest and radicalism of that time throughout the year. An exciting year full of history, art and hands-on activities awaited all visitors in the Mansfeld-Südharz region!