Noble in Criticism – Thurn and Taxis Schlossfestspiele Begin
Warm summer evenings with rock, pop or opera in front of a festive castle backdrop – that is what the Thurn and Taxis Castle Festival in Regensburg is known for. In recent history, however, there have been protests; the reason for this are statements by the lady in charge of the castle, Gloria von Thurn and Taxis. She is accused of being close to far-right extremists and of having homophobia. The 64-year-old denies these accusations. According to a spokesperson, she will be present at the opening of the festival on Friday (8:30 p.m.). This year, music stars such as Zucchero, Kool & The Gang and Andrea Berg will perform.
Last Sunday, there was already a demonstration in the castle park. In March of this year, a demonstration under the slogan “Gloria Keep Away – Break Up Right-wing Networks!” took place at the castle grounds. The Regensburg Initiative Against Right-Wing Extremism accused Thurn and Taxis of contacts with “various far-right” figures and demanded: “Your word must no longer have any weight.”
During the festival opening in 2023, around 300 people demonstrated in front of the castle. Thurn and Taxis told dpa through a spokesperson that they regretted that the demonstrators were dissatisfied.
The resistance against the noblewoman has been going on for a while. In 2023, an open letter was published, initiated by concept artist Jonas Höschl, calling for a boycott of the Thurn and Taxis Castle Festival. She is not the organizer of the event, but acts as its patroness.
The background to the latest criticism of the entrepreneur includes a meeting between the conservative Value Union and former Constitutional Protection Agency chairman Hans-Georg Maassen at the princely castle in July 2023. Thurn and Taxis cannot really follow the discussions surrounding the event, as she stated. “After all, the Value Union is the conservative sister of the Union.”
St. Emmeram Castle in Regensburg is the seat of the von Thurn and Taxis family. They once laid the foundation for their economic rise with international postal services and are today among the largest private forest owners in Germany.
Castle parties
- Despite the controversy surrounding Gloria von Thurn and Taxis and her alleged links to the far right and homophobia, Regensburg’s annual castle festivals continue to attract a wide audience. They offer summer evenings of rock, pop and opera performances against a festive castle backdrop.
- Last Sunday’s Castle Festival was met with demonstrations in the castle park. A recurring event since March, when a rally was held near the castle grounds under the slogan “Stay away from Gloria – Break right-wing networks!”
- This year’s Schlossfestival in Regensburg promises an exciting programme full of music stars, including Zucchero, Kool & The Gang and German singer Andrea Berg.
- Gloria von Thurn and Taxis, the lady in charge of the castle, denies the allegations of homophobia and close ties to far-right extremists and will be present at the opening of the festival on Friday evening.
- The controversy surrounding Gloria von Thurn and Taxis led to resistance from certain groups in society. It resulted in an open letter from concept artist Jonas Höschl, in which he called for a boycott of the Schlossfestivals of Thurn and Taxis.
- Despite calls for boycotts, the castle festivals are still an important event on Regensburg’s social calendar, attracting thousands of people each year to enjoy the festive atmosphere and world-class music performances.
- Thurn and Taxis Castle, located in the heart of Regensburg, is a testament to Bavaria’s rich history and cultural heritage. Throughout the year, various events are held here, including castle festivals, operas and other festivals.
