14 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Oktoberfest-Oktoberfest has gathered international recognition and status and is celebrated in areas outside Germany too. Nevertheless we’re listing the fun facts for you. Here are some interesting facts and traditions surrounding the world’s most famous beer festival. 1. It’s not a beer festival Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest – or “Wiesn”, to the locals – is […]
9 Ways to Celebrate Easter Like a German-German Easter traditions The Easter season starts in earnest on Thursday with Maundy Thursday marking the last meal Jesus had with his disciples. Easter traditions follow the religious calendar with Friday a day of mourning (the crucifixion of Christ) before celebrating on Monday to mark his resurrection. From rolling wheels filled with burning hay down […]
Advent and Christmas Celebrations in Germany-The Christmas season is a busy one! Celebrating German Advent will help you slow down and enjoy the real reason for the season. Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas. The Advent tradition is a religious celebration in preparation for the arrival, or “advent” of the Christ Child (das Christkind) on his “official” […]
Advent in Germany – Four Weeks Left till Christmas!-In Germany the time from December 1st to December 24th is called “Adventszeit”, which means the time before Christmas Eve. Parents give their children Advent calendars that count down the days. Every day in December they can open one of the doors and receive either a small chocolate in the shape of a star, a […]
Allerheiligentag (All Saints’ Day) in Germany-Halloween’s Origins and Traditions of Celebration in Germany Halloween is when all demons and witches are out for the night hunting, and when there are pumpkins glaring out of the windows, and when it’s better to give a treat instead of being tricked… Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. It had its beginnings […]
Autumn in Germany-German culture is rich in traditions all the year round. Each season features main events in German daily life, cultural background and holidays which keep traditions of Germans for centuries. Autumn is featured by numerous holidays, mostly devoted to harvesting and German music heritage. Harvesting is the most significant event in autumn in Germany, therefore, […]
Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart-For almost 200 years, the Cannstatter Volksfest has enjoyed enormous popularity and annually attracts about four million visitors from near and far to Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden Württemberg. People are captivated by the special atmosphere of the wonderful funfair coupled with beautiful festival tents, a colorful flea market and many spectacular attractions. Rich […]
Celebrating Christmas in Germany-In Germany, Christmas is a deeply cherished season, woven with traditions that date back centuries and celebrated with a warmth that lights up the cold winter months. From the aroma of mulled wine wafting through bustling Christmas markets to the serene glow of candles on an Advent wreath, German Christmas traditions are a festive tapestry […]
Christ Child – Christkind-In some parts of Germany, mainly the south east of the country, children write to the Christkind/Christkindl asking for presents. The letters to the Christkind are decorated with sugar glued to the envelope to make them sparkly and attractive to look at. Children leave the letters on the windowsill at the beginning of or during […]
Christmas Celebration in Germany-Christmas is coming, bright and sparkling, and we put together several articles that make up a collection of festive stories. In this article we will get acquainted with German Christmas traditions and customs, history of Christmas tree, traditional German Christmas markets, Advent – Christmas calendar that originated from Germany, and Christ Child – the one […]
Christmas in Germany-Christmas (Weihnachten) is considered to be the most important of the major holidays in Germany. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many traditions and customs. Christmas preparations in Germany begin from 1st of December as people bake spiced cakes, gingerbread houses and cookies, make […]
Christmas Markets and Advent in Germany-Christmas market in Frankfurt No one does Christmas quite like Germany. Its festive holiday season kicks off at the end of November and runs up until the beginning of January, and includes traditional cookies and cakes like Lebkuchen and Pfeffernüsse sold in stores and markets, decorative trees and wreaths filling public spaces, and picturesque old […]
Christmas Stories-The beauty of Christmas time Winter time in Germany abounds in beautiful pre-Christmas, Christmas, and post-Christmas traditions. It is in December and January that so many Saints are celebrated — more than during the rest of the year taken together! Pre-Christmas time begins with St. Martin’s Day on November 11, then goes on to St. […]
Christmas traditions in Germany-Christmas (Weihnachten) is considered to be the most important of the major holidays in Germany. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many traditions and customs. Christmas preparations in Germany begin from 1st of December as people bake spiced cakes, gingerbread houses and cookies, make […]
Discovering Joy and Tradition: A Visit to the German Christmas Museum-Germany, renowned for its magical Christmas markets and deep-rooted holiday traditions, is home to a gem that encapsulates the spirit of the season: the German Christmas Museum. Nestled in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this museum is not just a repository of holiday artifacts but a portal into the heart of Christmas […]
Easter Eggs: Traditions and Recipes-Easter Eggs Traditions from Germany It is really impossible to imagine Easter without such an attribute as colored eggs. This is a very old tradition dating back to the 16th century to exchange colored eggs as Easter presents. Later, it became a custom for young people who were in love with each other, to give […]
Easter Monday – Ostermontag-Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is an annual public holiday in Germany that follows Easter Sunday, which remembers Jesus Christ’s resurrection, according to Christian belief. It is observed with various local customs. These include early morning candle-lit parades, walks in the countryside and egg races. Egg races (Eierlauf) are held in some villages. The customs on egg […]
Exploring the Magic of the Cologne Christmas Market: A Festive Journey-As the festive season approaches, the city of Cologne transforms into a winter wonderland, with its renowned Christmas Market taking center stage. This article explores the magical allure of the Cologne Christmas Market, a place where traditional German holiday charm, unique gift ideas, and delightful culinary treats come together to create an unforgettable experience. The […]
Fasching – Carnival in Germany-Fasching is the Roman Catholic Shrovetide carnival as celebrated in German-speaking countries. There are many regional differences concerning the name, duration, and activities of the carnival. It is known as Fasching in Bavaria and Austria, Fosnat in Franconia, Fasnet in Swabia, Fastnacht in Mainz and its environs, and Karneval in Cologne and the Rhineland. Fasching […]
German Christmas Carols-The following are the complete German texts of some of the most popular German Christmas carols. Most English versions of “Silent Night” include just three verses. These correspond to a translation from the original text of verses 1, 6 and 2, in that order. Next to the German text below is a direct translation into […]
German Christmas Markets – Christmas Shopping in Germany-There is nothing so awe-inspiring in the pre-Christmas time as visiting Christkindlmarkt, the German Christmas market. Every town has its own little “Christkindlmarkt”, which is a market-fest, where people gather to enjoy the Christmas time. These Christmas markets offer baked goods, sweets and toys and feature local and regional specialties. Larger cities like Frankfurt or […]
German Christmas tree – Tannenbaum-The first appearance of a Christmas tree – Tannenbaum – was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, and the record said that “…people set up Christmas trees in their rooms…”. Another record of that time coming from Ammerschweier, said that “… no burgher shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoes’ […]
German Christmas tree or Tannenbaum-The first known Christmas tree was set up in 1419 in Freiburg by the town bakers, who decorated the tree with fruits, nuts, and baked goods, which the children were allowed to remove and eat on New Year’s Day. So, German Christians were the first to bring the trees into their homes to decorate or […]
German Easter Bunny Recipes-Some last-minute recipes of Easter bunny-shaped cakes and cookies Easter is not all about hard-boiled eggs. You cannot make it with egg salads only! Let’s honor Easter rabbit – the one who hides Easter eggs – by putting him on the festive table. Easter Bunny Ingredients: 1 kg flour 1 tsp salt 160 g soft […]
German Easter traditions-Easter Feast – Frohe Ostern! Easter (besides Christmas) is the most important holiday in Germany. On this day all Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the grave. This is the greatest and most joyful event of the year for the believers, when the tragedy of Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday was healed by the […]
German Maiwein-May Wine is a traditional May Day beverage Maiwein (May Wine) is a German drink, dedicated to springtime and flavored with fresh Waldmeister (sweet woodruff). Maiwein, a white wine, imported from Germany, can be found in stores. Waldmeister is a fragrant herb, a small plant with white blossoms. In Germany it grows in the forests. […]
German Reunification: Bored or Happy?-On October 3, Germany celebrates its Unification Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit). This day back in 1990 brought a happy and a very significant event on the world political scene. The symbol of the Cold War – the Berlin Wall – was torn down, and East Germans could freely face the world. To have a […]
German-American Day: Tercentenary History of Friendship-October 6 is a German-American Day. In 2015 Americans of German descent celebrate the 332th anniversary of their ancestors’ arrival in Philadelphia Harbor. Back in 1683 a group of immigrants from Krefeld couldn’t know that they would be followed by several millions of Germans who would afterwards give rise to the largest ethnic group in […]
Glühwein: A Toast to Tradition – Unveiling Its Rich History and Timeless Recipe-As the winter chill sets in and festive lights begin to twinkle, there’s one tradition that calls out to the warmth-seekers and flavor aficionados alike: the time-honored practice of sipping Glühwein. This mulled wine, a staple at Christmas markets and holiday gatherings, is not just a drink; it’s a cupful of history, spiced with traditions […]
Good Friday – Karfreitag-Many people in Germany mark the crucifixion of Jesus by participating in church services and processions on Good Friday (Karfreitag), which is two days before Easter Sunday. For others, it is the start of a long weekend and possibly a spring vacation. Good Friday is a public holiday in all German states. Post offices, banks, […]
Halloween’s Origins and Traditions of Celebration in Germany-Halloween is when all demons and witches are out for the night hunting, and when there are pumpkins glaring out of the windows, and when it’s better to give a treat instead of being tricked… Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. It had its beginnings in an ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of the […]
Halloween: Trick or Treat?-Trick or Treat? Treat!!! November… Cold biting wind is howling outside the window, the pale moon is swimming above the naked trees, and one can almost see all kinds of broom-riding witches and foggy ghosts in the dark… Isn’t it the best party time for Halloween?!? Halloween party will not be Halloween party without great […]
How did Halloween Come to Germany-How Did Halloween Come to Germany? In the mid-1990s, few in Germany had ever heard of Halloween, and even fewer celebrated it. Now, it’s a €150 million a year industry. The holiday’s success can be traced to a single marketing genius. Most in Germany have never heard of Dieter Tschorn. And even fewer will be […]
How Did Halloween Come to Germany?-In the mid-1990s, few in Germany had ever heard of Halloween, and even fewer celebrated it. Now, it’s a €150 million a year industry. The holiday’s success can be traced to a single marketing genius. Most in Germany have never heard of Dieter Tschorn. And even fewer will be particularly concerned by the fact that […]
Join the Love Republic!-Loveparade’2001 will be different from the previous eleven Parades because it won’t take place on the second Saturday of July as it used to be. According to the local authorities’ statement made in the beginning of April, July 14 has already been reserved by the Greens since September’2000 for a meeting. There is an opinion […]
Krampus – the Dark Side of St. Nicholas-Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word Krampen, meaning pickaxe, is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. Originally, Krampus was a purely pagan creation, said to be the son of Hel from Norse mythology. But he got grafted onto Christian tradition as a sidekick of St. Nicholas. The legendary […]
Love at First … Site?-St. Valentine’s Day is approaching.. Holiday’s history and recipes — for you and your sweetheart! “Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won’t adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is sign on as its accomplice.” — Tom Robbins, Still Life With Woodpecker St. Valentine’s Day (February 14) is the most […]
Love Republic Dos and Don’ts-Observe the simple rules and spread the message of Peace, Love, Unity and Respect Now that Loveparade has become a titanic (no allegory intended!) event attracting around 1.5 million visitors, it is very important to mind some rules of behavior in order not to turn a smiling, laughing mega-party into a hyperventilated, dehydrated and just […]
Maundy Thursday – Gründonnerstag-Also known as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated since the earliest days of the Christian Church. It commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and the institution of the Lord’s Supper and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist. The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by […]
May Day in Germany-May 1st is an international holiday in Germany known as May Day The first of May is Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit). The International Workers’ Congress in Paris designated May Day as a public holiday in 1889, and in 1919 the National Assembly in Weimar declared it a public holiday in Germany. It is observed […]
Muttertag – Mother’s Day in Germany-God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. Proverb Mother’s day celebration in Germany takes place on the second Sunday of May. However, if this day happens to be the Pentecost (Pfingstsonntag) – the Christian festival for celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit (held on the 7th Sunday following Easter) – then […]
Oktoberfest in Germany-Oktoberfest is a 16-day beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world’s largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, […]
Oktoberfest Traditions-Oktoberfest is often associated with beer, but the festival’s traditions go beyond that. While the beer tents, of course, provide drinks, they also play only traditional Bavarian music. The original six Munich breweries still provide the beer. You can also catch people in traditional Bavarian clothing, dirndls and lederhosen. Here are some Oktoberfest traditions that […]
Oktoberfest…The Fest Of Times-Oktoberfest was started long ago, it dates back to 1810, when a royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen took place on Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s fields”). As time passed by, Oktoberfest lost its original meaning, but preserved and even more acquired the spirit of overall joy and happiness. Nowadays this is the […]
Pfingsten – Pentecost in Germany-Pentecost is a religious holiday in Germany to mark the Holy Spirit’s descent on Jesus’ followers. Many local and regional customs are also associated with Pentecost Sunday, which is also known as Whitsunday. The dove often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who is believed to have descended on to Jesus’ followers. Pentecost marks this occasion. Many […]
St. Andreas’ Day-November 30 is dedicated in the evangelical, catholic and orthodox church to the Saint Andreas the Apostle, the brother of Saint Peter. He was one of 12 Apostles accompanying Jesus. He was a witness of the Ascension Day. He was martyred under the Emperor Nero and is remembered on November 30, traditionally considered the date […]
St. Barbara’s Day in Germany-Barbara, the daughter of the rich merchant Dioscuros, grew up in Nikomedia (today’s Izmet, Turkey). In order to retain her innocence, Barbara’s father locked her up during his absence, in a tower with only two windows. When Dioscuros returned from his journey, he found the third window in the tower. Barbara was baptized by a […]
St. Lucia’s Day-St. Lucia’s Day, otherwise called The Festival of Lights, is celebrated on December 13, a week after St. Nikolaus’ Day. Lucia became the “Nikolaus of the women”. In the early times, St. Nikolaus brought the gifts to the boys only, and St. Lucia visited girls with the gifts a week later. In some areas Lucia […]
St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) – November 11-St. Martin sharing his cloak On the 11th day of the 11th month at exactly 11 minutes past 11 o’clock a.m. St. Martin’s day is celebrated. It is mostly favored by youth and rural population. Martin, the bishop of Tours, lived in the 4th century. The soldier in his past, he was given this title […]
St. Nicholas Day-The patron of all kids The story of St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Minor Asia, who died on December 6th, 343, dates back to the 4th century. He is said to appear in the company of Knecht Ruprecht, “Knecht” meaning “servant”. Historically, Ruprecht was a dark and sinister figure wearing a tattered robe […]
St. Thomas’ Day in Germany-The Day of St. Thomas, celebrated on December 21, is also the day of the winter solstice, the year’s longest night and shortest day. St. Thomas is commemorated on this day because he was the last one of the apostles to become convinced of Jesus’ resurrection — he was the one who for the longest […]
The Magic of the Munich Christmas Market: A Festive Wonderland-As the festive season approaches, the Munich Christmas Market, or “Christkindlmarkt,” stands out as a beacon of holiday cheer and tradition. Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, this market is not just a destination; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of Christmas. In this article, we’ll explore the magic of the Munich […]
Three Kings and Epiphany in Germany-The Greek word “Epiphanias” means “uprise, appearance”, i.e. appearance of the Lord which was celebrated in the early Christian centuries on January 6. In the 4th century this holiday was shifted to December 25, and January 6 obtained the name of The Three Kings (the “Wise Men,” the Magi), or simply Twelfth Day. According to […]
Tradition of Sylvester, or New Year’s Eve-The night of the Holy Sylvester, the last night of the year, has always been the night of fun. Every year Berlin hosts one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in all of Europe, attended by over a million people. The focal point is the Brandenburg Gate, where midnight fireworks are centered. Germans toast […]
Valentine’s Day in Germany – Valentinstag-February 14th is Valentine’s Day, and though celebrating Valentine’s Day has only become popular within the last few decades in Germany, there are several traditions Germans have taken on wholeheartedly. This includes giving cards, sweet treats and flowers to their loved ones on this special day. As the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day is quite […]
Valentine’s Day in Germany: Traditions and Celebrations-Valentine’s Day, known as “Valentinstag” in Germany, is a day marked by love, romance, and sweet gestures. While it may not be as extravagantly celebrated as in some countries, the day holds a special place in the hearts of many Germans. This article delves into the various ways Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Germany, offering […]
Vatertag – Father’s Day in Germany-Father’s day in Germany is so much more than gifting a tie. This public holiday is a day off work for everybody, and a chance for men to act like boys. Known as Vatertag (also Männertag), it involves drinking lots of beer, riding a beer bike, and, unfortunately, little responsibility. Germany’s Vatertag coincides with Ascension […]
Weiberfastnacht, or Kiss for Your Tie!-Weiberfastnacht is a holiday celebrated mostly in the Rhineland on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Originally a special day for women’s carnival, but now celebrated by both sexes as the beginning of the six-day peak of the carnival season. Women take charge of men on Carnival Thursday by cutting off their ties and giving them […]
