European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - March 22, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                In Wurzburg a rebel carries a Banner from the Zelle Rau District As he climbs into the town Hall to capture the lord mayor. You can fight City Hal Story and photos by John Millar Wurzburg Bureau tired of supporting wealthy rulers with their sweat and poverty German peasants and Farmers in the Wurzburg area revolted against the Rich Hierarchy in the Early 16th Century. During the uprising an army of the poor besieged the Prince Bishop of Wurzburg in his fortress overlooking the City. But even with the support of City dwellers the peasant army was Defeated while retreating from the stronghold. In modern Day Wurzburg the peasants always win. Armed with axes hatchets pitchforks and clubs townspeople marched on City Hall again late last month. Beating Back troops guarding the building the mob took the mayor prisoner and besieged the City government for most of the Day. Attacking City Hall is a custom started in Wurzburg during the 1950s, said Peter Mueller Reichart who spearheaded this year s storming of the Rathaus. Meant As a satirical re enactment of the area s peasant uprisings during the 1500s, the attacks were held for about six years before dying out. They began again in 1980, and almost 1,000 participants have attacked the City Hall every other year since. The scene this year in three Camps set up in the Middle of town was More that of a Celebration than a revolt. Participants dressed in 16th-Century costumes cooked medieval meals Sang and partied before the attack. Meats were turned on spits Over charcoal fires and goulash bubbled in Large cauldrons Over Wood fuelled fires. Monks Drew Beer from wooden kegs. As the Day progressed thousands packed the streets around the town Hall. Troops Loyal to the ruling class ventured into the crowds to arrest peasant instigators. Advancing on several fronts the peasants retaliated with confetti shooting cannons and other appropriate weapons such As Heads of lettuce thrown by hand. Even As the armies Drew nearer to the Rathaus participants dressed As soldiers and Royalty danced and Sang. Soon soldiers were taken prisoner and peasants scaled a ladder into a window of the town Hall signifying its capture. By the end of the Day the crowds dispersed leaving deserted streets that revealed colourful Campaign posters for the upcoming election for mayor and City Council members. But remembering crowds big enough to Block and Stop Streetcar traffic and provide standing room Only for blocks around their workplace the candidates might think twice about their Campaign promises. Stripes Magazine March 22, 1990