Magdeburg. – For centuries, April 30th has been celebrated Walpurgis Night celebrated in the Harz. According to old folk belief, witches fly on broomsticks from the Hexentanzplatz near Thale to the nearby Brocken (formerly Blocksberg) to hold a celebration with the devil.
For this reason, the night of May 1st is celebrated in the Harz Mountains and other parts of Saxony-Anhalt. There’s a lot going on around the Brocken.
Also interesting: Witches and devils celebrate Walpurgis Night in the Harz Mountains
Walpurgis Night: Night Express travels to the Hexentanzplatz in the Harz Mountains
After a four year break Due to Corona and renovation work, the traditional Walpurgis Night will take place again on the Hexentanzplatz on April 30th from 6:30 p.m. Live music and fireworks are among other things planned. Tickets are required, according to the organizer.
Special highlight: A Walpurgis Night Express takes passengers from all over Saxony-Anhalt to the event in historic wagons.
Also read: What’s going on around May 1st in Burg, Genthin and the surrounding area
Walpurgis Night in the Harz Mountains in Saxony-Anhalt: lots of programs for adults and children
In Schierke There will also be a medieval festival on April 30th. In addition to bands, jugglers and knights, there will be traditional witches and devils.
In the Schierker Feuerstein Arena in Wernigerode, guests will be thrilled with an event with live music. Music is also offered at the Josephskreuz on Walpurgis Night. Guests will be taken back and forth from the Forsthaus Auerberg car park to the Kreuz by shuttle buses, it is said.
Children were also remembered on Witches’ Night. The Baumannshöhle, located in the Harz district, offers a special program for the little ones. In addition to a painting and craft street, there will be a witch’s broom workshop.
With video: Why the witches go through Siptenfelde before Walpurgis Night
What happens on Walpurgis Night?
Walpurgis Night is a traditional celebration that takes place on the night of April 30th to May 1st. It marks the transition from winter to spring and has its origins in pre-Christian, pagan customs.
Traditional festivals such as the Dance into May, parades and bonfires take place on Walpurgis Night. The flames supposedly have a cleansing effect and are said to keep illnesses away.
Walpurgis Night in the Harz: Historical and literary background
Walpurgis Night is said to be named after St. Walburga. Goethe laid the literary foundation for the wild festivals – after climbing the Brocken in 1777, he captured the devilish goings-on in “Faust”.
According to old folk belief, witches meet on the Brocken, also known as Blocksberg, on the night of May 1st to dance and celebrate with the devil. In addition, winter is driven out with a lot of shouting and spring is welcomed. Walpurgis Night is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Harz.
Also interesting: “The Purge” on Walpurgis Night? Attacks on police expected
What is witch fire and how is it related to Walpurgis Night?
The witch’s fire is a custom that is closely linked to Walpurgis Night. On this night, large fires are traditionally lit to drive away winter and welcome spring.
The witch’s fire also symbolizes the fight against evil spirits and witches, who were believed to be particularly active on this night.
Why does Walpurgis Night take place?
Walpurgis Night is closely linked to legends about witches and their gatherings. The stories about Walpurgis Night and the Witches’ Sabbath are particularly popular in the Harz Mountains Chunks very famous.
In which country do they celebrate Walpurgis Night?
Walpurgis Night is traditionally celebrated throughout Germany. Because of its history, the Harz plays a special role in Walpurgis.
Walpurgis Night is also very important in other European countries, such as Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.