The Further Drachenstich (Dragon Slaying Festival) in Furth im Wald is Germany’s oldest folk play, with a tradition spanning nearly 500 years. It is the only surviving example in Germany of the once widespread European custom of dragon-slaying performances. Its survival is largely due to the determination of the local community, which preserved the tradition despite repeated religious and governmental bans.
The earliest evidence of the custom in Bavaria dates to 1473, while the first documented performance in Furth im Wald appeared in 1590. Originally part of the Corpus Christi procession, the play featured Saint George fighting a dragon, symbolizing the timeless struggle between good and evil. Over the centuries, the tradition evolved from a religious ritual into an independent folk festival, continually adapting its storyline to reflect the social and political realities of the Bavarian–Bohemian border region.
