As Easter approaches, Germany's regulations regarding the Tanzverbot, or dance ban, on Good Friday remain a hot topic of discussion. This year, Good Friday falls on April 18, 2025, and the Feiertagsgesetz, or holiday law, mandates a dance ban across the country, though the specifics can vary significantly by Bundesland (state).
In Baden-Württemberg, the Tanzverbot begins on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 18:00 and lasts until Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 20:00. Throughout this period, all public dancing and music performances in establishments with an alcohol license are strictly prohibited. Violations can lead to hefty fines of up to 10,000 Euros, a significant deterrent for many establishments.
In Bavaria, the rules are similarly strict. Dancing is banned from Holy Thursday at 02:00 until Holy Saturday at 24:00. Additionally, public events promoting dancing are not allowed, and any musical performances in licensed venues are also forbidden. This prohibition is part of a broader effort to maintain the solemnity of the holiday, as Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Berlin, on the other hand, adopts a more lenient approach. The Tanzverbot is limited to Good Friday, from 04:00 to 21:00, and the maximum fine for violations is significantly lower, capped at 1,000 Euros. In Bremen, the restrictions are in effect from 06:00 to 21:00 on the same day, allowing more flexibility for local celebrations.
Hamburg has also relaxed its regulations, with the Tanzverbot extending from Good Friday at 05:00 until Holy Saturday at 24:00, a change that has been in place since 2024. Meanwhile, Hessen enforces one of the strictest interpretations, with a ban starting on Holy Thursday at 04:00 and lasting until Holy Saturday at 24:00, as well as restrictions on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday from 04:00 to 12:00.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the ban is in effect from Good Friday at 00:00 until Holy Saturday at 18:00. Niedersachsen imposes a Tanzverbot from Holy Thursday at 05:00 until Holy Saturday at 24:00. In North Rhine-Westphalia, public events are prohibited from Holy Thursday at 18:00 until Holy Saturday at 06:00, and moving is also restricted on Good Friday.
Rheinland-Pfalz has a similar ban, starting from Holy Thursday at 04:00 and lasting until Easter Sunday at 16:00. In Saarland, the Tanzverbot was in place from Holy Thursday at 04:00 until Holy Saturday at 24:00 in 2024. Sachsen-Anhalt only prohibits dancing on Good Friday from 00:00 to 24:00.
While the Tanzverbot primarily targets public events, private gatherings in homes are generally exempt from these restrictions. However, some states explicitly prohibit private parties held in public spaces.
The rationale behind the Tanzverbot stems from the significance of Good Friday in Christianity, recognized as a day of mourning for the crucifixion of Jesus. This solemnity is reflected in the legal framework that bans dancing and loud music, as well as other public festivities. The 2016 ruling by the Bundesverfassungsgericht (Federal Constitutional Court) established that exceptions to the Feiertagsgesetz could be made if other fundamental rights, such as freedom of assembly, are at stake.
Good Friday is not the only holiday impacted by such regulations. Other silent holidays, including Volkstrauertag (Day of National Mourning) and Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead), also see similar restrictions. In some states, additional days like Buß- und Bettag (Day of Repentance and Prayer) and Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) are also subject to the Tanzverbot.
In Bavaria, there are nine recognized silent days, which include Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, All Saints' Day, Volkstrauertag, Totensonntag, Buß- und Bettag, and Christmas Eve. On these days, entertainment events are permitted only if they maintain a serious character.
The discussion surrounding the Tanzverbot continues to evoke strong opinions. Critics argue that such restrictions are outdated and hinder personal freedoms. Thomas Filimonova, owner of the Stuttgart club LKA Longhorn, voices his dissent, stating, "I don’t want the church to dictate when I can dance." He points out that the special permit for his club's Good Friday event is crucial for his business, representing a potential loss of around 7,000 Euros if the event were canceled.
Conversely, supporters of the ban, including Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister Thomas Strobl, argue that these regulations are essential to uphold the cultural and religious significance of the holiday. Strobl emphasizes, "Good Friday is sacred. It is the only holiday with a full-day event and dance ban, reflecting the solemn nature of this day."
Religious sociologist Detlef Pollack also supports the Tanzverbot, suggesting that it is reasonable to respect the solemnity of Good Friday. He notes that approximately 40 million people in Germany are still members of one of the two major Christian churches, and in states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, a majority of the population remains affiliated with the church.
The debate over the Tanzverbot on Good Friday exemplifies the broader tension between tradition and modernity in German society. As the country grapples with its cultural identity, the discussions surrounding these regulations will likely continue, reflecting the diverse beliefs and values held by its citizens.
