The Meistertrunk (Master Draught) is a dramatic portrayal of events in 1631 that is performed each year during Whitsun (in May or June). At other times of the year there are performances of the play in the Kaisersaal at the town hall. Other highlights include the Rothenburg Reiterlesmarkt Christmas market featuring a programme of events under the heading "Wintermärchen" (Winter Tales), and the Tauber Valley Open-Air Festival.The Meistertrunk (Master Draught) Historic Festival
This Whitsuntide festival reflects the town's special relationship with its heritage. Each year townspeople dress in historical uniforms and costumes to re-enact the legend of Georg Nusch, the town's bold mayor. In 1631, during the Thirty Years War, he is reputed to have drunk three litres of wine in one draught. This "master draught" so impressed bloodthirsty General Tilly that the town was saved from destruction by his troops.Historical Shepherds' Dance
Shepherding and the wool trade played an important role in the life of the town in the Middle Ages. In 1517, the shepherd's guild was granted the right to play music and dance on one day a year, known as Shepherds' Day. To commemorate this tradition, visitors have the opportunity of watching colourfully dressed couples dancing in the market square several times a year.Christmas Market
Rothenburg's Reiterlesmarkt is set in an idyllic location between the town hall and St. Jacob's Church and is said - by those in the know - to be one of Germany's most atmospheric Christmas markets.