Müntzer-Festspiele Allstedt

Allstedt — A Town with a Revolutionary History

The small town of Allstedt in the Mansfeld-Südharz district is one of the most historically significant places in German Reformation and early modern history. Thomas Müntzer worked here as a pastor in 1523/24 and introduced the first German-language Protestant mass — a liturgical experiment that drove the Reformation in a more radical direction and eventually led Müntzer into the Peasants' War. In July 1524, Müntzer met the Saxon princes at Allstedt Castle — in his so-called Fürstenpredigt (Princes' Sermon).

The Müntzer-Festspiele are a young festival that makes this historically dense ground publicly accessible. The occasion is the 500th anniversary of the liturgical reform — the festival format started in 2024, and in 2026 it will run as a multi-day event in May.

Program Pillars

The centerpiece is the festive procession from the Vorwerkteich to the Market Square. Hundreds of the town's citizens in historical costumes march through the old town — Müntzer and his retinue at the front, accompanied by peasants, townspeople, clergy, and soldiers. A historical market emerges on the market square with craftsmen, taverns, and regional specialties such as Müntzerbier from Mühlenbräu and Müntzer-Whisky from the local Spirit-of-Oak distillery.

Theatre and Music

The AndersweltTheater from Stolberg performs the specially developed play „Thomas Müntzer — Sohn Stolbergs”. On the market stage, the Allstedt band Check-out performs, followed by Biba & die Butzemänner. On May 30th, the 2nd Allstedt Dialogue will also take place — a moderated discussion on Müntzer's legacy and relevance today.

In the State of Saxony-Anhalt

Allstedt is located in southern Saxony-Anhalt, in the Mansfeld-Südharz district, about 30 km west of Halle (Saale) and 50 km east of Nordhausen. The region is part of the Lutherweg Reformation Landscape and the Mansfeld Mining Tradition Region. Visitors to the festival can combine their stay with nearby Lutherstadt Eisleben (UNESCO World Heritage), Mansfeld, the Kyffhäuser Monument, and the Sangerhausen Europa-Rosarium.