Noble in criticism - Thurn and Taxis Schlossfestspiele start
Warm summer evenings with Rock, Pop or Opera in front of a festive castle backdrop - that's what the Thurn and Taxis Castle Festivals in Regensburg are known for. However, in recent history, there have been protests; the reason being statements from the castle's lady in charge, Gloria von Thurn and Taxis. She has been accused of being close to Right-wing extremists and homophobia. The 64-year-old denies these allegations. According to a spokesperson, she will be present at the festival opening on Friday (8:30 pm). In this year's event, music stars like 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 rally took place under the slogan "Gloria Keep Away - Break Up Right-wing Networks!" near the castle grounds. The Regensburg Initiative against Right-wing Extremism accused Thurn and Taxis of contacts with "diverse extreme right" figures and demanded: "Your word should carry no more weight."
During the festival opening in 2023, approximately 300 people demonstrated in front of the castle. Through a spokesperson, Thurn and Taxis told dpa that she regretted that the protesters were unhappy.
Resistance against the noblewoman has been going on for a longer time. In 2023, an open letter was published, initiated by concept artist Jonas Höschl, calling for a boycott of the Thurn and Taxis Castle Festivals. She is not the organizer of the event but acts as its patron.
The background of the latest criticism against the entrepreneur is, among other things, a meeting of the conservative Value Union with former Constitutional Protection Agency President Hans-Georg Maassen in the princely castle in July 2023. Thurn and Taxis cannot really follow the discussions around the event, as she stated. "The Value Union is, after all, the conservative little sister of the Union."
Schloss St. Emmeram 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 today rank among the largest private forest owners in Germany.
Castle Festivals
- Despite the controversy surrounding Gloria von Thurn and Taxis and her alleged associations with right-wing extremism and homophobia, the annual Castle Festivals in Regensburg continue to attract a wide audience, offering summer evenings filled with Rock, Pop, and Opera performances in front of 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 under the slogan "Gloria Keep Away - Break Up Right-wing Networks!" took place near the castle grounds.
- This year's Castle Festival in Regensburg promises an exciting lineup 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, has denied the allegations of homophobia and close ties to right-wing extremists and will be present at the festival opening on Friday night.
- The controversy surrounding Gloria von Thurn and Taxis has led to resistance from certain sections of society, culminating in an open letter initiated by concept artist Jonas Höschl calling for a boycott of the Thurn and Taxis Castle Festivals.
- In spite of the boycott calls, the Castle Festivals continue to be a significant event in the social calendar of Regensburg, attracting thousands of people each year to enjoy the festive atmosphere and world-class music performances.
- The Thurn and Taxis Castle, located in the heart of Regensburg, is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Bavaria, playing host to various events like the Castle Festivals, operas, and other festivals throughout the year.
