The Oberammergau Passion Play is a theatrical reenactment of the Passion of Christ, which is the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The play is performed in the village of Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany, once every ten years.

The history of the Passion Play dates back to 1633, amid the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War and the devastating Black Death plague -- which claimed one or more members of nearly every family in Oberammergau -- the townspeople made an oath to perform a play depicting the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ every 10 years. They fulfilled this promise for the first time in 1634.

In 2010 more than 2,000 local actors, singers, musicians and stage technicians brought this story to life.about when the village of Oberammergau was suffering from a severe outbreak of the bubonic plague. The villagers vowed that if they were further spared from the plague, they would perform a Passion Play every ten years. After their prayers were answered, the first performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play was held in 1634, and it has been performed every ten years since then.

Now a tradition in the Bavarian Alps for nearly four centuries, the famed Passion Play of Oberammergau, Germany, attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world. A massive undertaking, this elaborate production runs from May through early October and the play is performed by over 2,000 actors, musicians, and stage technicians, who are all residents of Oberammergau. The cast includes both professional actors and amateurs, and they spend months rehearsing for the performance.

The play is performed in an open-air theatre that can seat over 4,500 people. The stage is large and elaborate, with sets that recreate the city of Jerusalem and the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. The actors wear authentic costumes from the time period, and the play is performed entirely in German.

The Oberammergau Passion Play takes place from May through October, with multiple performances each week. The 42nd Oberammergau Passion Play took place in 2022, delayed from 2020 due to the Coronavirus. The 43rd Passion Play is set for 2030. Those wishing to attend the 2030 events should begin to plan at least 2-3 years in advance.

The Oberammergau Passion Play is a significant cultural and religious event, attracting visitors from around the world. The play offers a unique opportunity to witness an age-old tradition and experience the passion and drama of the story of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

River cruise itineraries that include tickets to the Oberammergau Passion Play often visit other cities in Germany and elsewhere in Europe. Theser trips include tickets to the show, accommodations, transportation, guided sightseeing and many meals in the upfront price.