Pentecostal Games: Intoxicated Master's Revelry in Rothenburg
An unforgettable historic spectacle in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Master Draught
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where the legendary play, "Der Meistertrunk," has been brought to life since 1881. Today, this captivating performance is recognized as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage and attracts an impressive crowd of tens of thousands of visitors each year.
During the tumultuous Thirty Years' War, Catholic troops laid siege to the Protestant city of Rothenburg. Facing certain ruin, the town's councilors boldly turned adversity into an opportunity. They staged a daring drinking contest, known as "Der Meistertrunk," in an attempt to impress General Tilly and save their city.
The story unfolds with a local official, Johann Georg Nusch, taking center stage. According to legend, Nusch miraculously downed over two liters of wine in one gulp and won the wager, thereby impressing Tilly and his officers so much that they spared Rothenburg from destruction.
Alongside the spirited performance, visitors can immerse themselves in historical parades, camp life, and market activities, all orchestrated by the Verein Historisches Festspiel "Der Meistertrunk" e.V. Discover the complete program for this unforgettable experience on the association's website.
While the specifics of the tale may be mythical, the legend serves as a symbol of Rothenburg's bravery and resilience during a time of severe hardship. Embrace this cherished part of Rothenburg's folklore and cultural identity and experience the magic for yourself! It's essential to note, however, that the historical accuracy of these events is not fully corroborated, and the tale is more of a legendary account than a strictly historical fact.
The social-media buzz about Rothenburg ob der Tauber's annual performance of "Der Meistertrunk" is immense, with many posting about the movies-and-tv worthy spectacle that transports viewers back in time. In between scenes of the legendary play, some attendees take advantage of the entertainment offered by the historical parades and market activities, sharing their experiences online for others to enjoy.
