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Landshuter Hochzeit: The most theatrical wedding this side of the 15th century
Tourists love Germany’s traditions, even when these “traditions” are sometimes manufactured. All you have to do is go back far enough in time to find an interesting historical event, revive it, and presto! A “tradition” is born, and if you were careful about which one you picked, it can be quite lucrative. Exhibit A: the Landshuter Hochzeit, which is taking place in Landshut from 30 June to 23 July, a reenactment of a wedding from 1475.
It is the brainchild of a couple of enterprising local fellows. Restaurant owner Georg Trippel and factory owner Joseph Linnbrunner founded a society called Die Förderer or sponsors in 1902 for this purpose. The first event took place in 1903 in the form of a play performed by local citizens, eventually growing into the huge spectacle that is now repeated every four years.
Maybe they were inspired by their Bavarian brethren in Oberammergau who were already doing quite nicely with their Passion Play. They probably figured if you can make a business out of a Roman murder mystery, why not a royal wedding? Both Landshut and Oberammergau only allow residents to participate, and all must grow their hair long and wear period costumes.
