Passion play in Hořice seeks UNESCO nomination

Organizers of the Passion play in Hořice na Šumavě in South Bohemia are seeking to inscribe the tradition on the UNESCO World Heritage List, they announced on Tuesday.

The Easter pageant, depicting the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, is held every summer in the local outdoor theatre and has a tradition of over 200 years. In June 2021, the Hořice Passion play was included on the region’s cultural heritage list.

This June, Hořice will host the Europassion 2023 congress, bringing together representatives of towns and villages from all over Europe where the tradition of staging Passion play has been maintained.

The first rehearsal for this year's Easter pageant in Hořice will take place on 24 March. Traditionally, most local families are involved in the preparations in various ways.