Hussite Festival in Bernau

For three days every summer, Bernau is transformed into a medieval stronghold at the Hussite Festival. Jugglers, swordsmen and a lively fair attract thousands of visitors to the town on the outskirts of Berlin.

In April 1432, the Hussites from Bohemia invaded the Margraviate of Brandenburg and left a trail of devastation in their wake. Starting in Guben, the "heretics" roamed the Oderland and Barnim, plundering and burning. While many villages and smaller towns were defeated, larger towns such as Frankfurt (Oder) and Bernau were able to successfully defend themselves. The Hussites soon retreated back to Bohemia via Lusatia. The memory of this war was soon eclipsed in Brandenburg by the feeling of successful defense. Later historians further embellished the events.

Since 1882, with regular events since 1992, Bernau has celebrated the "Hussite Festival" in June. It is the largest folk festival in the region, which is based on a medieval event and revives the popular culture of remembrance.