ANSBACH, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach community members celebrated a historic milestone by participating in Ansbach’s annual cultural heritage event — the 75th anniversary of the Rococo Festival — in early July.
For the first time, members of the USAG Ansbach community — including Soldiers, civilian employees, and students — took part in the festival’s anniversary celebrations.
The Rococo Festival in Ansbach is an annual celebration that recreates the courtly life of the 18th‑century Margraves of Brandenburg‑Ansbach, particularly under Margrave Carl Wilhelm Friedrich and his wife Christiane Charlotte.
Held in the city’s historic venues like the Hofgarten, Orangery and the palace courtyard, the festival features period costumes, dances and live baroque music concerts — all designed to transport visitors back to Ansbach’s Rococo era.
USAG Ansbach community members portrayed members of the Margrave’s court, outfitted in period costumes sourced from the Garrison’s Theatrix costume warehouse.
“This was a fantastic experience for our group,” said Victoria Hanrahan, USAG Ansbach’s Entertainment Director. “We truly enjoyed the cultural exchange, learning about the local history of Ansbach and especially making new friends.”
Tracing its roots back to 1894, when the theatrical play Der Wilde Markgraf (The Wild Margrave) by Konrad Friedrich was premiered, the festival’s history is rich and storied. The play was so popular that, years later, it was expanded with additional performances and a historical parade.
In 1949, the Heimatverein Ansbach (Ansbach Local Heritage Association) officially established the Rococo Festival.
“Being invited to the Rococo event was an exciting opportunity to showcase my creativity,” said Theatrix Business Manager, Kimberly Stockton, who spent several weeks fitting and preparing the Rococo costumes for the USAG Ansbach participants.
“I haven't had many chances to work with 18th-century items, so this really challenged my skills and knowledge, Stockton said.
This celebration not only honors the region’s history but also exemplifies the enduring and long-lasting friendship and cultural exchange between USAG Ansbach community members and our host city.
“I felt that the participation of the Americans was an absolute enrichment to the festival. It was a pleasure to work with them, and I would love to collaborate again—even outside of the festival period,” said Sabine Siebenhaar, team leader of the Rococo group of the Heimatsverein Ansbach e. V.
The year 2025 marks a major milestone for the U.S. Army and the city of Ansbach: 80 years of enduring German-American friendship. The Rococo Festival highlighted the strong and enduring friendship and shared cultural understanding between the two communities.
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