A colossal wedding banquet, stretching 500 metres, celebrates Martin and Katharina's nuptials.
Get ready for a grand historical bash in Wittenberg! From the 13th to the 15th of June, 2025, this city south of Berlin will travel back in time to 1525 - the year Martin Luther tied the knot with Katharina von Bora. This historic union symbolized a massive shift in the Church across Germany and Europe, and Wittenberg, dubbed the 'Lutherstadt,' is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the 500th anniversary of this groundbreaking event.
This shindig isn't just a one-day affair; it's a three-day extravaganza packed with fun, history, and culture. The main event, of course, is the anniversary of the wedding on the 13th, when Luther turned 41, and his bride-to-be was a spry 26. The couple had six children together, two of whom didn't make it past their early years.
With a modern-day population of approximately 46,000, Wittenberg is home to the Lutherhaus museum, where you can catch a glimpse of the family's daily life. Stroll around the market square, and you'll encounter statues of Luther and other key reformers, such as Philip Melanchthon.
Don't miss the Gothic town hall and St. Mary's Church, where Martin and Katharina got hitched and where he often delivered sermons. The organizers promise a slew of market stalls, historical associations, traditional crafts, music, storytelling, and a uniquely festive program to bring the spirit of the Reformation to life.
In a nod to the rural atmosphere of the 16th century, a parade of actors playing the famous couple, along with 2,000 guests, will roam the city, with music and animals in tow. On another day, 400 kids from local schools and kindergartens will have their own parade, culminating at the Luther Museum. Other fun activities for the little ones include board games, a hand-cranked carousel, a knight's castle, and wood carvings.
While families are surely welcome, this festival caters to history buffs as well. It offers access to the city's most iconic sites, including blacksmiths, weavers, glassblowers, sculptors, stonemasons, and a 500-meter-long wedding guest table on the market square ready to accommodate up to 2,000 attendees at once.
Despite the focus on history and culture, some Protestant churches in the city have announced special Sunday services during the weekend in English, along with blessing ceremonies for couples. However, the festival's overall emphasis appears to be more secular rather than explicitly religious.
Whether you're a history geek, a culture vulture, or simply a fan of a good party, head on down to Wittenberg in June 2025 for an unforgettable weekend celebrating a marriage that shook the world! To learn more about the anniversary celebrations, visit https://lutherhochzeit.de/.
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Article source: Evangelical Focus - cities - A 500-metre-long wedding table in honor of Martin and Katharina.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich home-and-garden ambiance of Wittenberg as you indulge in a three-day extravaganza, from the 13th to the 15th of June, 2025. Embracing the rustic beauty of the 16th century, a grand parade featuring Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora, accompanied by an array of actors, music, and animals, will captivate the city lifestyle. Delve into the city's culture and history, as you visit the lively market stalls, historical associations, and explore the Lutherhaus museum, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the Luther family.
