30+ Walpurgisnacht Harz

In parts of germanic europe walpurgisnacht is celebrated each year around april 30 right around the time of beltane.

Walpurgisnacht harz. Ist von teufelskult und hexenritt die rede so handelt es sich meist um die walpurgisnacht im harz. As the influence of the church grew the traditional festivals intermingled with the christian celebrations and the hybrid holiday became known as valborgsmässoafton or walpurgisnacht. To ward off evil and protect themselves and their livestock people would traditionally light fires on the hillsides 10 9 1 a tradition that continues in some regions today. They come together on the top of a mountain called brocken in the harz mountain range where they sing and dance around a huge bonfire. The festival is named for walpurga a christian saint who spent a number of years as a missionary in the frankish empire. Although not tall by alpine standards the peak stays very cold and is shrouded by mist and fog most of the time. This wild pagan festival is unique and fun for the entire family.

The event on april 30 still attracts thousands of visitors and is spread across 20 locations around the brocken mountain. Das walpurgisfest ist ein traditionelles europäisches fest dessen ursprünge bis in die vorchristliche zeit zurückreichen. Bereits vor 1 000 jahren feierten die ureinwohner des harzes ein frühlingsfest an dem durch verschiedene. Walpurgis night in german folklore the night of 30 april may day s eve when witches meet on the brocken mountain and hold revels with their gods brocken is the highest of the harz mountains of north central germany. Still legendary throughout the harz region walpurgisnacht is rooted in the pagan frƒhjahrsfest or spring festival. On walpurgisnacht only witches gather by the way no male sorceres. In german folklore walpurgis night was believed to be the night of a witches meeting on the brocken the highest peak in the harz mountains a range of wooded hills in central germany.

The celebration will feature gnarled old and crunchy young witches devilish figures in many variations and all sorts of fabulous magical creatures. From myths and poetry walpurgis night has developed into a huge colourful folk festival in the harz mountains. While germany s harz mountains are an awesome travel destination at any time of the year they turn particularly magical on walpurgisnacht which takes place in spring each year.