October 31st: Reformation Day in Germany

On October 31st, Germans do not only celebrate Halloween (imported in the mid-nineties from the U.S.) but also commemorate a religious holiday: Today is Reformationstag, "Day of Reformation".

On October 31st in 1517, German church reformer Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, a proposal that criticized the church and its many medieval practices. Luthers words sparked a theological debate that would eventually result in the Protestant Reformation.

However, due to his bold and open criticism of the church, Martin Luther was excommunicated by the Pope and had to flee to the German castle Wartburg. Disguised as a monk, Luther now took the challenge to translate the Bible into German to make it accessible to everyone.

You can visit the Wartburg Castle in Thuringia and even peek into Luthers sparse cell. I put together a Guide to the Wartburg which gives you helpful information for your trip.