A major festival that happens right here in Lutherstadt Wittenberg every year around June 13 (Luthers wedding date) is the reenactment of Martin Luther and Katherina von Bora's wedding. Just a note about the reenactment. It is not even close to the real story of how Luther and Katie got hitched. But the modern day version of their wedding at this particular festival draws tens of thousands into little Wittenberg bringing in a boat load of money. It appears that they fringe the actual history of what happened here, but not many know the real story of their actual marriage.
Venders from all around come into the market square and every space around the historic city is filled. There are modern day concerts and stage shows and people are dressed up in midieval garb. If you have ever been to a renaissance festival, that's exactly what this festival looks like on steriods. The buildings and surroundings are a natural backdrop for this celebration that attracts over 100,000 people every year.
The actual celebration begins in the market square where the looming statues of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon stand. There is a parade with drums and horns and a lot of cheering as the wedding wreath is put in place and the current mayor of the city announces the official start of the three day festival. The official start was on Friday. Yesterday was the second day of the festival.
We witnessed the wedding festivities surrounding the big event--the marriage of Katherina von Bora to Martin Luther. There was a major parade that circled the city. Businesses, schools and other locals paraded their names in the parade and those dressed in medieval costumes, rode in carts, danced and played games along the way. In the middle of the parade of course where the bride and the groom Martin and Katie.
In the Luther House is a depiction of their bedroom which has a wedding portait on the wall from 1528. There is also a wedding chalice which was donated by the University. We also find a cash box belonging to Katherina. All of these items remind us that Dr. Luther was not only a great university professor, but also a husband and a father. Enjoy the pictures.
Where's Pastor? Look familiar?
Luther Quote for the Day
"Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times."
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