Hampden County Hexenbruts

A wee bit of history for you

Ever wonder about about the history behind the Hampden County Hexenbruts who perform at the Connecticut Witchcraft and Culture Fest in Hartford? Their story shows how tradition and inspiration ripple across the world.

When the Wolfshäger Hexenbrut, a German dance troupe from the Harz Mountains, released a 2016 witches dance performance, it sparked a global movement. The MA Hampden County Hexenbruts caught that spark and now perform right here.

The "witches gathering on the Brocken" legend they all celebrate traces back to Harz folklore. In 1668, Johannes Préetorius published "The Blocksberg Performance," documenting these local tales and locating the April 30th Walpurgis Sabbath at the Brocken with illustrations.
German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe later drew upon Préetorius's published work for his 1808 play Faust, cementing the legend in popular imagination.

So when the Hampden County Hexenbruts perform, they're honoring a cultural narrative.

Here in New England there are many examples of "witches gatherings" and the "Witches Sabbat" in records of d our witch trials. The Hartford Witch Panic included such an accusation.

That's why we're excited to have them there. It's cultural history, art performance, and celebration all at once.

**Source:** "Witches and Walpurgis Night," OUPblog, April 30, 2017.

Join the Hampden County Hexenbruts as we bring a little magic, mischief, and dancing to the Wildwood Ren Faire on June 13! Watch our witches twirl, cackle, and cast a spell of fun across the fairegrounds.

Come say hello, snap some photos, and join us for a day filled with enchantment, laughter, and Renaissance revelry!

Part 2.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BdFVT8USs/

Here's the sneak peak from Wicked in the Park. We had such a great time, we ate, we danced, and we ran amuck. My soul is happy.

More pics to come.

Glinda, Elphaba, Bock, the Wizard, an Ozian, the Scarecrow, The Lion, a S**z student, maybe Prefessor Marble or Doctor Dillamond. I wonder who will be seen wandering Forest Park tomorrow.

This is going to be a great day with Alan Kendzior and some of my friends from Steam Posh and the local Witch Dancers.