According to the tradition, if it’s a cloudy day and the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, then that means winter will soon come to an end. But if it’s sunny and the animal glimpses its shadow, it signifies another six weeks of winter.

The biggest celebration takes place in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in the United States and its famous little critter Punxsutawney Phil (made famous in the Bill Murray movie about the holiday, called simply Groundhog’s Day).

However, most people don’t realize that this North American holiday has roots that can be traced right back to Germany! This annual tradition derives from the medieval holiday of Candelmas. As the old German saying goes…

Ist’s zu Lichtmess mild und rein
wirds ein langer Winter sein.

That is, “If Candlemas is mild and pure, winter will be long for sure.”

So what, exactly, is Candelmas?

This takes us to a famous story about the young Jesus Christ from the Christian Bible. Candelmas is when the baby Jesus made his first public appearance, at a temple forty days after his birth. Prophecies were made about the young boy and how he would one day redeem the nation of Israel.

But how did this religious festival celebrating the Virgin Mary’s purification following child birth lead to furry rats predicting the weather?

The answer is all about timing.

First, when the ancient Romans established Christmas as December 25, Candelmas logically fell forty days later, on February 2. Just as Christmas was changed by the Romans to coincide with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, Candelmas also fell at the time of an important Gaelic holiday, Imbolc.

This day is also called Saint Brigid’s day for the goddess-turned-saint. She walks the earth and leaves signs of her presence. She is responsible for bringing the light of summer to the darkness of winter.

So her holiday marked the beginning of spring in medieval Ireland. Imbolc traditions included watching nature for signs of an early spring. Participants might go the fields and look for snakes or badgers that had come out of hibernation.

So, this springtime holiday of weather prognostication eventually found its way to America, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Germans.

While they may have been searching for the more traditional harbingers of springtime, which in Europe was the badger or even a bear, they apparently made do with the small creature that now gives its name to this most unusual holiday, the Groundhog.

What makes 2012 so remarkable is that this year’s highlight is music, so many events and programs have taken this into account.

The year of music kicked off just right in Erfurt where the new year’s events started with a choir concert at St. Thomas’ Church.

It’s all right if you missed it (lucky if you got to go). Here’s a listing of other events for the rest of the year so you don’t miss anymore.

In Eisenach at the Bach House there’s a special exhibit on the Book of Songs from Feb 25–Nov 11. Not running quite as long, the Thuringian Bach Weeks (March 30–April 22) is one of the largest music festivals in the country — special church services will also be taking place throughout the month.

Also in Eisenach there’s a grand birthday celebration for Martin’s 528th birthday on November 10. Oh sorry, I jumped ahead there. ;-)

For almost a full year at the Wartburg Castle (May 4, 2012–March 31, 2013) all sorts of exhibitions are going on where Luther translated the New Testament into German. The room in which he accomplished this task looks pretty much like it did 500 years ago.

October 31 marks Reformation Day (Reformationstag) and celebrate with the Reformation Festival. There will be plenty of special services throughout Thuringia on the day that Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the church door; an event that started a revolution.

From November 29,2012 to January 30, 2013 at the Heinrich-Schütz-Haus in Bad Köstritz you’ll be treated to a special exhibit on Martin Luther and Christmas.

Stay tuned. I’ll certainly keep you updated for the upcoming 2013 Reformation & Tolerance, the 2014 Reformation & Politics, and the 2015 Reformation Art & the Bible yearly events. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? :-)

No need to look like a tourist if you don’t have to. ;-)

Epiphany (Dreikönigstag) Jan 6
Known as Little Christmas, and where you’ll see children singing carols. Everyone’s welcome to eat some Dreikönigskuchen — but it’s supposed to be good luck to whomever eats the lucky object inside.

Candlemas (Mariä Lichtmess) Feb 2
Folks from the U.S. know it as Groundhog Day, but us Germans know this day falls right between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Celebrated exactly 40 days after Christmas, it’s all about the light. That’s why candle blessings are traditionally done.

Carnival (Karneval/Fasching) Feb/Mar
Here’s where things get tricky. The Carnival Season really kicks off on November 11th at 11:11 in the city of Cologne (and the Rhineland) — except during Advent and Christmas. Traditionally, everyone associates the lead-up to the Lenten season within a week of Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter).

If you’re in the Catholic regions of Germany (generally the South & West of the country), you’re more for partying in a masquerade style parade festival (with lots of drinking); while the Protestant (North & East) are known for a more subdued affair eating Berliners (donuts) and other sweet treats.

Good Friday/Easter (Karfreitag/Ostern) Mar/Apr
Good Friday is a solemn affair in Germany, often without any public performances or even church bells ringing in the town squares. Most people are off work or school at this time (and traditionally not eating any meat but fish), and only true touristy places are even open.

Holy Saturday (the day before Easter) is a lively event (compared to the relative quiet the day before) with Easter bonfires and Easter Markets taking place. Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) and Easter Monday (Ostermontag) are even more festive, with folks heading off to church and eating a hearty lamb dinner, and presenting kids with the play of searching Easter eggs and gifts (in the garden, living room, etc.).

Walpurgis Night/May Day (Walpurgisnacht/Mayfeiertag) April 30/May 1
Walpurgis Night is said to be the day that witches wait for Spring — but you’ll find plenty of Germans just dancing their hearts out by the bonfires. Hmm, maybe this is why the traditional saying is “Tanz in den Mai,” or Dance into May!

Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) Aug 15
Technically this mid-August date isn’t a “public” holiday (except Bavaria and the Saarland), but it’s common for people to head to church AND pick herbs out in the gardens.

Reformation Day (Reformationstag) Oct 31
Sure, it’s Halloween — but it’s also a special date on the Lutheran calendar. It’s a public holiday in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, celebrated with the Feast of the Protestant Reformation.

Advent (4 weeks prior to Christmas Day)
Almost every German city, town, village, and hamlet have Advent markets, bazaars, and concerts to ring in the joyous season of Christmas. These Christmas/Advent events are legendary — bringing people from all over the world to experience them.

And certainly a terrific way to end a year of celebrations.

You may want to bookmark this page as our holidays are scheduled to stay. ;-)

Her love of the dance means she doesn’t care where she sees it (New York, Paris, London); all she knows is she wants to go.

So, if you’re like her, and you’re going to be in Hamburg, why not check out this upcoming season’s fantastic ballets? A truly cultured activity for a truly cultured city, if I do say so myself.

Here’s just a few of the ballets playing at the Hamburg Ballet:

Nutcracker (Dec 14, 15, 23 (2 shows), 28, and 29, 2011)

Peter Tchaikovsky will forever be remembered as the composer for this Christmas ballet extravaganza, where a Sugar Plum Fairy and a Nutcracker come to life. Besides Scrooge, this is a Christmas Season must-see. Don’t worry if you don’t make this year’s performances—there’s always next year.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Jan 14, 20; May 16, 18, 19, 27; Jun 20, 2012)

A classic ballet (choreographed by none other than Balanchine himself) based on a classic comedy by William Shakespeare. Graceful is always the best adjective to describe one of the best ballets ever.

Death in Venice (March 6 & 9, 2012)

This isn’t your typical ballet by any stretch of the imagination. It’s based on Thomas Mann’s novella about a writer with writer’s block who heads off to the beach in search of inspiration. What he finds is a boy that captures his… uh, imagination.

A Streetcar Named Desire (April 18, 23, and 27, 2012)

Choreographed by John Neumeier, there’s no Marlon Brando screaming “Stella” in this ballet based on the Tennessee Williams play. Even so, the tragic story of Blanche transcends any media format.

The Little Mermaid (Apr 21, 25, 28, May 9, 12, Jun 22)

John Neumeier does his own adaptation of Danish writer Hans Christian Anderson’s tale. This ain’t no Disney version, that’s for sure. The “underwater” scenes are truly dramatic for us landlubbers.

In case you’re not a fan of ballet, or never seen one before—we do recommend watching Mr. Baryshinikov in White Knights or The Turning Point (with Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine)—it did it for my friend.

And if you’re interested, here’s the calendar of the Hamburg Ballet.

Oh boy, were they mad.

What’s the big deal about foie gras? Isn’t it a luxury food like caviar?

Yeah, except the practice of making geese or ducks binge eat like they got bulimia (without the evacuating part of it) to fatten their livers is now a heated debate.

Lots of people out there don’t eat certain meats because of handling practices (one person I know doesn’t eat veal because of how they’re treated).

But, whether our French friends are up in arms over whether foie gras was allowed or not, rest assured that there are a variety of other food festivals and shows that don’t include eating fat duck liver.

Food Fairs & Festivals in Germany

January is a big month for food shows. One of the biggest is the International Green Week in Berlin. Actually, it’s a food, agriculture, and horticulture show (2012 date: January 20-29).

Just as Berlin’s show ends, the Sweets & Biscuits Fair kicks off in Cologne, which is all about new trends in confectionery delights. Who cares, bring on the chocolate—FAST!

Berlin’s at it again with the Freshconex Fair, that’s all about the juiciest, freshest, yummiest produce (salads, juices) you can find. I guess you better go if you want a healthy option after hittin’ up the sweets fair.

Munich is not to be outdone—their response is the Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Week). Yes, I’m aware that this 2-week festival (kicking off around March 19) in the middle of Lent is about the beer. But, I did have to give it an honorable mention.

And don’t confuse this with Bavarian Beer Day that’s the official start to Bavarian Beer Week.

Now do you understand why I make jokes about Bavaria and beer all the time?

Anyway, Bavarian Beer Day kicks off on April 23 in honor of the date that a Bavarian Duke decreed the Beer Purity Law in 1516.

One of the biggest festivals is the Bad Dürkheim Sausage and Wine Festival in Bad Dürkheim. It might seem like it’s all about the wine (150 varieties available) but the Wurstmarkt is about the sausage. This festival is so popular (with fireworks) it takes place over 2 weekends (2nd & 3rd weekends in September). Make new friends while you’re sampling some great vino at a Schubkärchler, a small wine stand.

It’s back to Bavaria for one of the biggest food festivals in the country, Oktoberfest.

Stop laughing! Oktoberfest might be where more than 7 million liters of beer are consumed during the 16-day festival, but lots of local specialties are eaten during the event too. Try some Hendl (it’s chicken so don’t be alarmed), some roast pork dishes, Kasspatzn (cheese noodles), Weisswurst, and/or Obatzda.

Look, you better eat while you’re drinking—otherwise you’ll be what we call a Bierleiche (a “beer corpse”), all passed out in an Oktoberfest Beer Tent.

Who’s laughing now? :-)

Each year leading up to the epic event has all sorts of symposiums, festivals, movies, and other events in villages and towns that were important places in the life Martin Luther. A most remarkable man, if I do say so myself.

What is also remarkable are the folks who’ve created this decade long event, have even implemented theme years; each with their own special events. Stat tuned with me, I’ll keep you posted about many of the events throughout the upcoming years.

If you’re going to make your way through many of the towns that were instrumental in the Protestant Reformation sweeping Germany, you better make sure you’re here for a while.

I would start in the town of Wittenberg, where it all started. It was here in Wittenberg at the Castle Church that Martin nailed his 95-theses to the door looking for, well, reform of the Catholic Church.

No, scratch that. I guess it all started in Eisleben where he was born. Then again, Erfurt is where he lived as a monk, so here’s a town that was instrumental in the shaping of Luther’s life.

Some other places in the life of Luther weren’t so much as important in his work, as in his early life. He went to school in Magdeburg and lived in Mansfeld for a time.

Whichever route you choose to follow, like (but not limited to) the Lutherweg or the Luther Pilgerweg, it doesn’t really matter because the Center for Spiritual Tourism in Thuringia (it opened on July 3, 2011) is here to help you along the way.

I don’t think you need to be on some spiritual quest to enjoy the events of the Luther Decade. No, even if all you do is enjoy it for history’s sake; you’ll certainly learn quite a bit about the man who changed history and influenced the lives of millions of people.

So, in honor of All Hallow’s Eve (or Halloween)—although barely celebrated in Germany—I’m about to give you skinny on the creepiest, scariest, hair-raising sites in all of Germany.

If you’re faint of heart you might choose to change to another page on The Germany Blog. If not, then don’t say I didn’t warn you. ;-)

In case you’re wondering, yes Frankenstein Castle has made the list. And, this is only a fraction of the haunted places found throughout the country.

Berlin’s Pfauen Insel Park has been said to be haunted by a black ghost with glowing red eyes. Yikes, I’m scared already.

Over at the old Nazi Hospital (at the Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt) it’s been said that the ghost of a Nazi soldier has haunted the area for years.

Heidelberg’s Amphitheater and Hexenturm also said to be visited by strange noises and ghostly apparitions, especially on moonless nights.

Yeah, I know none of these places is a haunted castle — don’t worry, I’m getting to them right now.

One of the biggest haunted sites in Germany is Eltz Castle, where the spirits of medieval Knights have been known to roam. The castle closes for the winter season on November 1st, but at least it’s open for the scariest of all the holidays.

Hmm, it’s time for the most famous name in scary stories — Frankenstein Castle. No, there isn’t some large guy with bolts sticking out his neck here; it’s said to be the ghost of Johann Dippel.

The ghost at Friedland Castle is thought to be the daughter of a former resident, who was “cursed” by her own dad. Wow, that’s a scary thought.

I think Reichenstein Castle would be scarier than Burg Frankenstein or Friedland Castle. Why? Because it is said to be haunted by the ghosts of not one, not two, not even five ghosts — but ten! Just so you know, they’re believed to be the spirits of robber baron Dietrich von Hohenfels and his nine sons.

If you’ve come across any super creepy sites within Germany, let me know so I can come back to visit them next Halloween.

I started to throw books away just to purchase their respective Kindle version in order to enjoy an easier and a much more comfortable reading experience.

Don’t believe me?

All I can say is, get one (bought or loaned) and see & feel for yourself. ;-)

Either way, back to the topic of this post…

Authors and writers (they’re not the same thing, BTW) are held in high esteem in Germany, so no surprise to me that you’ll find a bunch of book festivals held throughout the year. Perhaps this is why Germany is one of the “leading book nations” in the world.

And the types of books don’t really matter, either. Many book lovers appreciate the written word whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry.

Now, I don’t know if I should start or end this with the Frankfurt International Book Fair, an event that’s been taking place for nearly six centuries. Every October a quarter of a million book enthusiasts, publishers, authors, and writers flock to the city all in the name of books (400,000 of them during last year’s event).

While the Frankfurt Book Fair is this week (Oct 12th – 16th), the Leipzig Book Fair falls every Spring in March. Oh yeah, at least you don’t have to choose which one to attend—but the game remains the same, it’s books, books, and more books.

Hamburg’s festival is known as the Harbour Front Literature Festival; and held every September. You’ll find it all, historical fiction; women’s literature, biographies, and my favorite—the whodunit.

Not to be outdone, Berlin gets in on the book reading action; that’s a September staple around the capital city. Sorry, it’s called the International Literature Festival Berlin, to be exact.

I don’t care what it is—just as long as it’s somethin’ to read. What do you think? :-)

No rainy weather for me, so until the mercury drops to a preferred level I’ll have to live vicariously by writing about the cold temperature season. ;-)

Now some of you might prefer the warmer weather, so consider this a jump on your Christmas shopping list.

And anyway, the Christmas season starts about a month before the actual date of Christmas — so I’m only two months ahead of myself, instead of three.

With over 2,000 Christmas Markets in Germany, it might take a while to figure out which ones you’ll want to go to. Plan ahead, that’s my motto!

Chances are whatever Christmas market you’re going to will have all the traditional fixings of a proper German Christmas (or just a dandy good time).

You’ll certainly eat great since there’s everything from German sausages to fresh baked bread, and the delicious Glühwein to drink. In most places you can keep the glass as a souvenir, or clean it out & re-gift it.

Oh, I can’t believe I suggested such a thing… never mind!

Weihnachtsmärkte bring out the very best craftsmen (and women) and artists to sell their wares. You’ll have no trouble at all finding the most unique and original gifts for your family and friends back home.

And fruitcakes are really popular in Germany — not so much in America. Maybe you’re better off bringing home Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies) or Plätzchen, which are traditional Christmas cookies.

I really love the Christstollen, which looks like a loaf of bread but is filled with raisins and marzipan. Top it with powdered sugar, and you can feel your teeth hurt. It’s so yummy, so it’s worth it.

That’s it. I really like the cold weather with the Christmas markets, the traditional food and romantic white snow that come with the season.

Merry Christmas, three months early!

The Supreme Pontiff sitting on the throne of St. Peter is in fact, German; and this is why his return to Germany September 22nd to the 25th is a very big deal.

http://www.papst-in-deutschland.de/english/

I know it’s a bit early to put this epic occasion in our blog event section (it is still summer, after all), but the chances of getting tickets to one of the five papal services (two in Freiburg, with one each in Erfurt, Etzelbach, and Berlin) are slim to none.

Sorry, more than a hundred thousand requests have already been sent; and seating is limited.

That’s too bad, but even if you can’t get yourself a ticket to the see the pope in action you can follow along the Benediktweg or Benedict Trail.

Yeah, that’s a shameless plug for a scenic route in Germany if ever I wrote one. ;-)

Pope Benedict XVI was born on April 16, 1927 as Joseph Ratzinger in Marktl am Inn in Upper Bavaria, but that’s not the only town on this 225 kilometer route.

You can see the village of Hufschlag (which is part of the town of Surberg), where the young Joseph’s parents bought a farm, or many amazingly beautiful monasteries or medieval churches in towns like Altötting, Neuötting, Hohenwart (Mehring), Burghausen, and Seeon-Seebruck.

Whew, I didn’t think I could stop mentioning Bavarian towns there for a second. ;-)

Many of the towns along the Benedict Trail might not have much to do with Benedict the Pope, some were important when he was just a mere Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger.

Ha, a mere Cardinal; like there are a bazillion of them walking city streets across the globe.

Whatever Pope Benedict’s name now or was, his return to Germany is momentous, as is the scenic route that bears his name.

That day will also mark the closing of the special exhibition of the Lodz Ghetto (also called Ghetto Litzmannstadt) at the Nazi Documentation Center in Cologne. The entire special exhibit is of photographs taken within the ghetto looking at daily life, before its residents were sent to Auschwitz in 1944.

The building itself is a piece of history in the story of the Third Reich. The EL-DE Haus (located at Appellhofplatz 23-25) was once the HQ of the dreaded Gestapo; and the museum does have permanent exhibits on the history of Nazi Germany.

Just about a month after the Lodz Ghetto Exhibition closes, the Dresden War Museum will open its doors (slated for October 14). There’s no glossy candy-coating the wicked, ugliness of war on these exhibits, which is exactly what the museum plans to accomplish.

According to Der Spiegel, Dresden was the most and least logical place for the museum. It’s also where a number of Neo-Nazis gather every February to mark the city’s destruction date (it was leveled on Feb. 13, 1945 by the Allies).

Neo-Nazi groups also gather every year at the grave of one of Nazi Germany’s most notorious leaders, Rudolf Hess. Well, they did — until recently.

According to Der Spiegel, the town of Wunsiedel was tired of the group coming every year in August to “commemorate” the former Hitler Deputy — well they did until 2005 when the practice was banned.

Still, the folks in the sleepy Upper Franconian town didn’t think that was enough. They cremated his remains and scattered his ashes into the sea, with Hess’ family’s permission, of course.

Looks like it’s the dawn of a new day in Germany, doesn’t it?

I see it as an annual migration of surly looking models (I think they’re just hungry), fashionistas from all over the globe, and designers looking to make it big like Karl Lagerfeld and Hugo Boss (my favorite) that flock to Berlin every July.

Hey, at least the models for Ulla Popken can eat. This collection of fashion is designed for the size 16+ set.

Come to think of it, I don’t see that “come hither if you’re a sandwich” look on any ad that featured Popken’s models. ;-)

Jokes about models isn’t what I’m here for; and I do it all in good natured fun. But, what I am serious about is everything eco-friendly.

So, it was to my surprise that there was an entire section on Fashion-Week-Berlin.com that talked about using eco-friendly materials and trade practices. Actually, they said “consumers are developing a preference for products manufactured in an ecological and socially responsible manner.”

Hear! Hear! Well said folks at Berlin Fashion Week!

What I don’t get is why they would have an entire section on their website on many of Berlin’s bars, clubs, and restaurants? If you eat, you can’t fit into all those designer clothes, or can you? ;-)

Oh, there I go again. I’m just kidding. Just kidding. I don’t want some model to chuck a high heel at my head at next year’s event.

Honestly though, there were many events held throughout Berlin’s Fashion Week. Had you gone, maybe you’d have gotten lucky to rub elbows with the likes of Heidi Klum or Claudia Schiffer. Wouldn’t that have been nice? Because what would a Fashion Week in Germany be without Germany’s top models (or former models)?

Then again, what would Berlin Fashion Week be without German designers?

In case you don’t know any, Betty Barclay, Strenesse, and Jill Sander are very well known too. And, chances are their models are going to be the hungry type.

—Marcus

Good thing Germany’s news understand this, so over at the TheLocal.de you’ll get plenty of local Deutschland news in English.

Believe it or not, one recent article is all about the US of A. Kind of makes no sense since I just said that it’s all about Germany, huh?

But, hear me out. Did you know that almost a quarter of million soldiers in this “War of Northern Aggression” (that’s what the South called it) were German?

And you don’t have to go all the way to Virginia, Pennsylvania, or some other United State to see a Civil War reenactment. Nope, you can do it within an hour north of Berlin at the El Dorado theme park in Templin.

How cool is that?

Who can resist a whole interactive theater-type extravaganza with hundreds of folks all dolled up in period garb? All right, some of the uniforms might look a little out of place considering you’ll even find some soldiers dating to the American Revolution.

How fitting to bring this up now, since July 4th is the day America celebrates its war for independence, and it was 150 years ago this year that the American Civil War erupted at Fort Sumter.

Sure, some have said (and I quote) “in Germany, its taboo to glorify anything military-related since World War II,” but I say why not? Civil War reenactments have been going on for years in the American South who were for secession and pro-slavery.

Now don’t give me any flack for saying it like that, but this is very much a part of German history as it is an American one. Remember the number of soldiers who fought were German?

Whether you know how or it turns out or not, I just wouldn’t expect TheLocal.de to report the outcome of a different winner.

—Marcus

But the next couple of weeks give you even more. It’s the start of the summer music festival season. No matter what music you have on your iPod, you are sure to find something that fits your taste in this wide variety of open-air concerts.

Let’s take a closer look, shall we? :-)

Handel Festival, June 2nd – 12th

The city of Halle an der Saale is not as well-known as some of our other places, like Munich or Berlin. But it does have its claim to fame as the birthplace of the great composer, Georg Friedrich Händel. Halle holds a tribute to its favorite son this June, inviting many international musicians to interpret Händel’s greatest hits.

Rock am Ring & Rock im Park, June 3rd – 5th

These two three-day long festivals in the Eifel and in Nuremberg is certain to please the rockers and headbangers of the world! The Rock am Ring and Rock im Park feature the best and the heaviest in current rock n roll music. Over 150,000 flock to these open-air shows, which are reputedly the largest of its kind in the whole of Germany.

This year’s fair is no exception. Rock am Ring & Rock im Park 2011 are hosting some of the biggest names in rock — Coldplay, Disturbed, System of a Down and Kings of Leon are just a handful of the rockers who are slated to play.

Bach Festival, June 10th – 19th

Come to Leipzig to celebrate this beloved composer in his annual festival! Johann Sebastian Bach was such an important part of this city and his presence can still be felt. The Thomas Church is one of his old haunts that plays host to a concert series featuring his greatest works.

While most of the tributes will be done by organ or symphony, you’re likely to find all kinds of Bach-related events at all corners of the city.

The Munich Opera Festival, June 25th – July 23rd

The Munich Opera Festival has a bit of a late start in comparison to all the other June music festivals, but this century-old tradition is worth the wait. The National Theater is the main venue for a bevy of ballet and opera performances. However, the highlight of the fest is certainly the series of open-air concerts, called “Opera for All.”

—Marcus

There are many fun fairs and spring festivals that you can attend. And you are lucky to have me to help you sort out the biggest and the best. Let’s take a tour to some of Germany’s major cities and see what they have in store for us this festive season…

Munich — April 29 – May 15, 2011

Affectionately called the Kleine Wiesn, or Little Oktoberfest, Munich’s Spring Fair has much of the same spirit of fun as its autumn celebration. You’ll find the weather a bit warmer than in the last weeks of September, however. This two-week-long fair includes all the fun amusement park rides that you would expect. One highlight of past years has been the carousel with a built-in bar!

Stuttgart — April 23 – May 15, 2011

The Stuttgart Spring Festival, or Cannstatter Wasen, celebration goes on for three weeks and features plenty of family fun, like face painting, merry-go-rounds, raffles and, of course, beer. Don’t miss the famous giant Ferris Wheel or the traditional food such as Kässpätzle (Swabian noodles with cheese).

Hamburg — March 25 – April 25, 2011

Hamburger Dom is a monster of a festival in its sheer size. The fairgrounds stretch for over 3.3 km (over 2 mi!). The Hamburger Dom fair is held three times a year. This event goes back to the 14th century when traders used to use the Dom (Cathedral) as an escape from the bad weather. These days, the revelers enjoy huge Ferris Wheels, weekly fireworks shows and circus entertainment that includes fire-eaters, jugglers and acrobats.

Frankfurt — April 15 – May 8, 2011

Known to the locals as the Dippemess, this is actually a twice-yearly event in the city of Frankfurt am Main. Dippemess is the Festival of Stoneware. It began as a humble fair and marketplace in the 14th century that showcased the local crafts of the town residents. Now you can enjoy the more modern version with its roller coasters, fun rides and fireworks.

Nuremberg — April 23 – May 8, 2011

This yearly festival in Nuremberg is another great way to celebrate the advent of spring. Food always plays an important role at these fairs and at Nuremberg’s spring fair, you’ll be treated to the lovely smells and tastes of grilled meat and roasted nuts. And it wouldn’t be a German festival unless you washed it down with some beer. Amusement park rides and musical entertainment round out the rest of this fair, which attracts over 2 million guests each year.

—Marcus

These days, International Women’s Day is treated almost as a second Valentine’s Day, a time to smother your favorite gal with love, flowers or candy.

But the holiday actually began as a Socialist tradition and was even instrumental in ushering in Communism in early twentieth century Russia. With the fall of communism and the end of East Germany, International Women’s Day isn’t widely celebrated by Germans these days but this is the country where it all started.

Clara Zetkin, who was a leader in the Social Democratic Party in Germany, helped to bring it all about.

In Copenhagen at the second International Conference of Working Women, she spoke about the need for a special day to mark the struggles of women everywhere. This would be the day where, in each country, women could step forward and demand their equal rights, air any grievances and work together to make the world a better place for themselves. The other participants at the conference agreed unanimously and so, International Women’s Day was born.

March 19 was the day chosen for the first holiday, but it was March 25 that ended up as the day to remember. While the original holiday came and went without much fanfare, the tragedy that hit just six days after would do much more to illustrate the plight of women. On that day, a terrible fire broke out in New York City.

The “Triangle Fire” claimed the lives of more than 140 women workers, the majority of whom were poor immigrants of Jewish and Italian descent. Only in the face of such senseless loss did the squalid working conditions and deplorable labor practices come to light.

Later, in 1917, the holiday would again garner worldwide attention. This time, women were picketing for “bread and peace” in Russia, distraught over the high death toll of the First World War. The women’s strike was one nail in the coffin of imperial Russia, and soon the Bolsheviks seized on the moment to depose the tsar and begin the reign of Communism.

While this was less than ideal for the citizens who lived under the regime for more than seventy years, it shows the power that the holiday could command.

In modern times, the day is used for much more peaceful purposes, but still as a way to showcase wrongs and crimes against women. It is an official holiday in countries like China, Russia and Vietnam when men will give small gifts to their wives, mothers, female friends and colleagues.

So while these small gestures are always appreciated, there are larger issues that are still not resolved for the women of the world. This is a day to appreciate the women in your own life, while trying to make a better life for those all around the world.

—Marcus

This year, the Crazy Days of Carnival take place from Thursday, March 3th until Tuesday, March 8th, with the peak being on March 7th with the Rosenmontag (Rose Monday).

Most Germans will tell you that if you want to experience the true Carnival spirit, you must go to Cologne. As one of the oldest cities in Germany, Cologne certainly has the longest tradition and the biggest parties of the holiday.

But, don’t despair if you aren’t in the city limits during the “crazy days” of Carnival. There are a handful of other German cities, mostly in the Rhineland, that throw a pretty decent party as well (ex., Mainz, Düsseldorf).

If you’re not a religious person, you might be a bit confused about the fuss surrounding the Carnival season. Just what exactly is it and why do people celebrate?

Well, not that anyone needs an excuse to throw a party, but the excess that comes with Carnival is all a lead up to the forty days of Lent, when Christians usually follow the example of Jesus Christ and give up something they love. To compensate for the month of deprivation, they eat, drink and party to excess in the days that come before.

There are many wonderful traditions that you can see each and every year at Carnival. One of these is the Triumvirate, the Jungfrau, Prinz, and Bauer, that is a virgin, a prince and a farmer. It is the highest honor of the Carnival to be named the Prince. He is the one in charge of the festivities and appears in all the big parades during the week.

You’ll be able to pick him out by the peacock tail crown, purple jacket and a glittery girdle. In his arms, he carries a royal scepter as well as a slapstick. This is a sign of the village fool but also a strong fertility symbol. The farmer is the solemn and serious keeper of the city. He wears the key to the city on his waist. And the “virgin” — who is typically portrayed by a man in drag — is clad in a crown and holds a mirror in her hand.

Arm yourself with the phrase “Kölle Alaaf!” or “Cologne alive!” This is the customary greeting during these crazed days.

Each year, you are certain to see colorful costumes (don’t leave without one!), experience bars that never close and view a fair amount of festive parades.

Again, the culmination comes on Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday, on March 7th this year. The parade on Rose Monday is one for the record books. It boasts a length of six kilometers (3.7 miles), over 10,000 participants, several hundred horses and over a hundred musical bands.

And the party revelers come with their fair share of festive accessories. Over 140 tons of candy, sweets and flowers are brought to the parade and thrown to the crowd, including 700,000 chocolate bars, another 220,000 boxes of chocolate, 300,000 flowers, and thousands of stuffed toys.

So I hope you can collect bags full of sweets, but do “protect” yourself well to not get one of those edgy chocolate bars thrown on your head! ;-)

—Marcus

Recently, Munich moved into the lead as the popular choice with the general public. By survey from a national broadcaster, 75% of the German people participating in the survey have backed Germany’s third largest city with its two venues proposed – in Munich itself and at two Bavarian mountain resorts, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Schönau am Königssee.

The games will be held in February of 2018, and, of course, is being organized by the International Olympic Committee. This year the committee received the lowest number of bids for the winter games since 1988. There were only three. And all three were selected as candidates in the race to win.

Since Munich hosted the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, if Munich wins this time around, it will be the first city to host both summer and winter Olympic games and to host Olympic games twice. It will also be the first time the country has hosted Olympic games since reunification.

Another big plus: Most of the facilities from the 1972 games still exist (and in good condition), giving Munich an additional advantage.

If Munich doesn’t win this bid, that won’t defeat this great city. There are still plans to go forward and put in a bid for the 2022 games. :-)

Showcasing sustainability is a vision of the Munich 2018 games. Projects have been developed which align to the strategies of the country to care for our environment. Some of these projects include a sustainable Olympic Park, green building materials, nutrition programs and compensating for international air traffic and its effect on the climate. With a total of 18 projects ongoing, Munich is showing its commitment to protecting the environment.

Munich’s bid to host the Winter Olympic Games 2018 means forming and maintaining an international center for summer and winter sports, one that will be a legacy for generations to come. Athletes hold Germany in awe when it comes to passion for year round sports, and they also encourage a passion for sports to carry forward in the youth.

The spectacular vision Munich possesses for a unique and unified setting for the games only adds to the prospect of an amazing year. Venues include Ice Park and Snow Park villages, with media centers, stadiums and a careful planning of training and celebration sites incorporated. The plans serve to enhance the competitive atmosphere and make convenience the word of the day.

Besides numerous advertisements supporting Munich’s bid, one of the world’s foremost football leagues is giving huge support in bringing the winter games to Germany. Bundesliga and its many internationally famous scoring stars, such as Stefan Kießling, Dennis Aogo and Lukas Podolski, are appearing on television giving their endorsement of Germany’s bid for the Olympic Games. Such campaigns intend to bring in the support of athletes around the world.

Yes, the world’s eyes are now on Munich, with its incredible heritage of international competition, sports celebrations and organizational excellence. It is quite possible that the Bid Committee will find it hard to resist voting Munich as the winner when July rolls around.

And we Germans are waiting with bated breath…

—Marcus

Independently of each other, two of the founding fathers of Daimler AG were developing motor cars during the same time period — Carl Benz, the three-wheeled Benz Patent Motor Car and Gottlieb Daimler, the first four-wheeled vehicle. Right here was the foundation of all our present-day vehicles, trucks and buses.

Mercedes-Benz went on to develop and manufacture diverse and enduring motor cars for the world to enjoy in comfort and safety. Models have continued to evolve through the years, bringing design to a new level.

After these long 125 years, it is a time to commemorate this one particular vehicle’s special birthday. To celebrate, festivities are occurring around the world in many forms.

In the Mecedes-Benz World in Stuttgart is a large event that will take place at the end of this January, 2011 with political, economic and society icons, including Dr. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Those who have devoted their time and energies to working within the company will have the opportunity to be part of any of multiple events. At all Daimler locations throughout the world, employees will enjoy celebrations, raffles and prizes.

The opening events will begin on 29 January 2011.

At the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart, attendees will enjoy an international football match, pitting the German team against Brazil. Mercedes-Benz will act as sponsor and be offering multi-media performances as well as fascinating vehicle exhibitions, including glimpses of the future of automobiles.

The match will be held on August 10, 2011 in the converted Mercedes-Benz Arena.

At the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, more than 160 exhibits by over 80 international and well known artists will be on display, including both modern and contemporary art and, of course, paintings featuring cars.

The exhibition will be held from May to September 2011. Here’s more about the Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart.

A Bavarian tourism company has also teamed up with numerous car makers to offer a premium tour opportunity behind the wheel of a fabulous car, staying in top hotels and taking driving tours through forests and countrysides. It’s called the “8-day Premium Cars of Southern Germany Tour.”

The head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, who is also chairman of the board of Daimler AG, says (and I agree) that Daimler and Benz have changed the world for the better and will continue to do so, with new brands, green technology and many business opportunities.

Anyone can join in these celebrations taking place in Germany, and offer their enthusiastic approval of such pioneering technologies that shaped our world.

—Marcus

Starting on January 18th and culminating on January 23rd, an army of fashionistas will descend on various venues throughout the city and show off the latest in chic-ness. This event has been held twice a year since its premiere in 2007.

Fashion Week is sponsored by the very German Mercedes-Benz company, who are putting on a series of show that are certain to delight the fashion lovers of the world. If you’re hoping to make an appearance at this very trendy event, don’t leave until you’ve perused the Fashion Week web site.

Bread and Butter will be held at the historic but now-closed Templehof Airport in Berlin’s south-central borough of Templehof-Schöneberg. This trade fair will be open for just part of the week, from January 19 to January 21. The highlights of this show will include urban and street wear for those who want to check out the latest trends.

Find out all the latest in details and special events at, um, the Bread and Butter web site. :-)

Unfortunately, this exclusive show is not for the general public. You’ll have to show your credentials as a wholesaler, agency or journalist before you’re allowed inside!

TheKey.To Conspiracy is another of the week’s highlights. 2011 is putting the spotlight on eco-fashion, and this show will let you browse some of the environmentally-conscious fashions. You’ll still find trendy and chic clothes here, from urban fashion to kids wear to avant-garde.

The difference is that each item will have a “sustainability check” that lets its viewers know that the materials, production and distribution are held to high ecological standards. And there’s no need for a special pass at this show. Just come on January 22 for Public Day and take part in all the eco-fashion fun.

This event is also held at Templehof.

And fashion isn’t the only fun that you’ll find in Berlin during Fashion Week. There is a flurry of other side-events happening simultaneously to ensure that not a minute of your time here is boring. Take in some relaxation with the “Sunrise Yoga with Reflection” in the morning hours on Wednesday and Thursday.

There’s also a tribute to that 1950s fashion and rebellious icon, James Dean. Fashion Rock Night will feature the musical stylings of Iron Fist and Elf Craft from the night of Thursday, January 20 to the wee hours of the next morning.

As you can see, from the showrooms to the after-parties, Berlin Fashion Week will not let you leave disappointed. :-)

—Marcus

Halloween may have its origins with the ancient Celts’ celebration of Samhain, the harvest festival. Because this time of year was half in the light (summer) and half in the dark (winter), the border between the real world and the spirit world was at its thinnest. So, the spirits could move freely between the two worlds.

Costumes and masks were worn by the Celts as a way to protect themselves from evil spirits. They also made lanterns of hollowed-out turnips to keep away these harmful ghosts.

A variation of Samhain celebrations were brought to America in the early 1900s with Irish and Scottish immigrants. The popularization of the holiday may have been spread by American culture and movies, but the idea was not totally foreign for Germany.

Although Halloween is not as popular and as much celebrated as in other countries, there is already a very Halloween-y German holiday called Walpurgisnacht, or Walpurgis Night — the Night of the Witches. From April 30 to May 1, the witches are said to gather on the Brocken, the highest mountain peak of the Harz Mountains, and wait for the arrival of spring.

Goethe wrote about this night in his famous story of Faust. So the idea of an American holiday of witches, werewolves and monsters wasn’t all that strange. ;-)

But the time around Halloween is a real holiday for Germans. The days from October 30 to November 9 are called Seelenwoche, or All Souls Week. This is the holiday for remembering family and friends who have died, with visits to their grave sited and lighting candles. During the week of All Souls, it is a custom to keep all the knives in the house out of sight. With so many spirits in the air, the danger is that one of them may be cut with a knife that is left out carelessly.

There is also an Austrian holiday that also recalls some of the traditional Halloween activities. Some Germans may have been familiar with this day. The town of Retz outside of Vienna held a pumpkin festival called Kürbisfest. Of course, for Halloween, the custom of the Jack O’Lantern, carving a face in a pumpkin and placing a candle within, is an ever-popular activity.

We Germans have embraced Halloween and all its fun traditions. There are costume parties and parades for the “cool” kids, teenagers and maybe a few adults at the nightclubs. Others will watch horror movies or visit a local graveyard. Some kids will even partake in that much beloved Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating. Children dress in costumes and visit their neighbors with the call of “trick-or-treat!” If their neighbor gives them candy (the “treat”), then there is no need for a “trick,” which is when the children can get into trouble.

Germany has many places that are perfect for celebrating Halloween. One of the most famous is Frankenstein Castle. This old mansion in Darmstadt is one of the most famous haunted houses in the country. However, these haunted parties are not just fun Halloween celebrations.

Some other German castles may hold Halloween parties during the season, notably the Satzvey Castle. Burg Satzvey, its German name, will host a nighttime event called the Haunted Castle. The grounds are decorated in a creepy fashion with ghosts and other monsters. Then there is a labyrinth of terror and other scary events to get your heart pounding for this spooky holiday. ;-)

—Marcus

Kaltenberg Knights’ Tournament

The Kaltenberg Castle in the municipality of Geltendorf (Landsberg District, Upper Bavaria) has been holding its Knights’ Tournament for close to four decades now! The event is hosted by Prince Luitpold and Princess Beatrix of Bavaria, as they invite you to witness a rousing, thrilling jousting tournament.

While the jousting is the main draw, the Castle also boasts a vibrant medieval market as well as a fun-filled parade. The 13th century Kaltenberg Castle is located in the tiny village of the same name, which is just about 45 km (30 mi) west of Munich.

The fun begins every year in July. Get all the pertinent info here.

Medieval Knight Market, Angelbachtal

The venue for this next medieval fair is Eichtersheim Castle in charming Angelbachtal (Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, Baden-Württemberg). Its Mittelalterlicher Rittermarkt, or Medieval Knight Market, is one of Germany’s largest medieval fairs and takes place each year in August (plus, there are a variety of events that occur throughout the year). The festival has expanded and improved each year since its inception in 1994. One of the newer features is an exotic Arab-Jewish section that offers camel rides.

Knights’ Festival at Satzvey Castle

Satzvey Castle is well-known for its special events throughout the year. One of the highlights is their yearly Knights’ Festival. In the town of Mechernich-Satzvey in the Euskirchen District (North Rhine-Westphalia), the Count and Countess Beissel von Gymnich are happy to invite you to their 14th-century home, Burg Satzvey, for a fun, historical festival. The Knights’ Festival features jousting tournaments and a medieval market. If you’re visiting Cologne, Satzvey is an easy 30-45 minute journey.

Visit the castle web site to further plan your trip here.

Medieval Market Ebernburg

This German medieval fair proclaims itself one of the largest, most beautiful and oldest festivals around. With over one hundred booths filled with handicrafts, lively taverns and an assortment of motley medieval characters wandering the grounds, you’re sure to find something to keep you interested at the Medieval Market Ebernburg.

There’s a bath house where you can pamper yourself with the finest, ancient remedies as you await the knights’ tournaments. Other entertainment includes juggling performances, javelin throws, archery competition and historical puppets.

The medieval fun takes place on the third weekend in September. And Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg is located in the Bad Kreuznach district in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Tucher Knight Games, Nuremberg

For those seeking to discover the city of Nuremberg’s medieval history, come in August to attend the Tucher Knight Games (Tucher Ritterspiele). This large medieval fair features — of course — knight tournaments. You’ll also see entertainers dressed in costume as traveling minstrels, witches, merchants, handmaidens and other assorted medieval characters during the three-day extravaganza.

See Tucher Spectaculum (German) for more info.

—Marcus

In other countries, national unity and independence days are massive holidays. In Germany, our Unity Day is a quieter affair. Berlin usually has some small celebrations, of course, as a part of its duty as our capital. A rotating list of regional capitals also take turns hosting annual celebrations.

Why no big deal over the holiday, you say? Some of the quietness comes from mixed emotions around unification. If this seems shocking to you — after all, who could really want to go back to the Berlin Wall? — remember that unification was a life-changing event for millions of people (me included).

If you lived in East Germany, the unification meant more opportunities for work and travel, but it also marked an end to the established ways of life. Citizens of West Germany rejoiced at the Wall coming down, but resented the monies that were spent on economic stimulus for East Germany and all the new competitors for open jobs. Both sides also associate unification with a new 5.5% solidarity tax (due in West Germany) which was levied to fund the economic development efforts in the East.

Still, I don’t want to give the impression that the majority would be wandering around complaining about the unification of Germany. Quite the opposite! Most people, unless they are deep into ostalgie, consider the German reunification to be a wonderful moment in German history (me included). We just don’t spend the holiday in loud celebrations. With the day off from work and shops closed, we use the day to spend time with family and friends.

This year, however, due to the 20th anniversary, the celebrations will be a tad louder. :-)

As a visitor in Germany on Unity Day, to see celebrations you will want to be in Berlin or in this year’s regional host, Bremen. Berlin’s festivities will be centered around the Brandenburg Gate and the Straße des 17. Juni with a parade, some live music, and numerous ceremonies here and there. In Bremen, there will be a city-wide festival or Bürgerfest, with ceremonial moments happening throughout the city.

If you stay in, note that the television program schedules are full of retrospectives, and many German media outlets are in a reflective mode for this 20th anniversary. Though it is a quieter event than in other parts of the world, Germany’s Unity Day is still being observed on many fronts. Plus, this year’s round of celebrations are going to be larger than most, so take the time to enjoy them! :-)

And of course, if you can’t make it this time, simply enjoy the quadlingual live stream television broadcast DW-TV over at DW World, my preferred TV program for when I’m not in my beloved home country.

—Marcus

Here are some of the festival’s most enduring traditions and experiences.

The Beer

What would Oktoberfest be without the BEER? There are about fourteen huge beer tents where you can enter (at no charge) and drink to your heart’s content.

You don’t want to miss the Hofbräu Festzelt, the largest and most popular — at least with the tourists — of them all. The festive music of the oom-pah bands is a highlight of the Hofbräu’s tent, as well as their signature brew, Hofbräu. In fact, there are six breweries that are represented at Oktoberfest.

In addition to Hofbräu, you can try Spaten, Lowenbrau, Paulaner (that’s where I usually found the most beautiful ladies), Augustiner or Hacker Pschorr. Generally, these are served in a one-liter beer stein where you can (barely) raise the glass and toast your fellow revelers with the German word for Cheers! — Prost! :-)

The Date

Many people wonder why Oktoberfest actually begins in September. We Germans do, in fact, know our dates and have a reason for this discrepancy.

The first Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration for Crown Prince (and later King) Ludwig I. He married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 7, 1810. Five days after, on October 12, Ludwig decided to hold a horse race in honor of his recent nuptials. The event was such a success, that he did it again the following year. By 1816, there was already a carnival feel to the festival with new booths and events.

They eventually decided to move the festival into September. One reason was that the weather was a bit nicer and milder at that time. In 1994, it was modified again to end with German Unity Day on October 3.

The length of Oktoberfest is dependent on what date the first Sunday of the month happens to be.

The Food

When you’ve drunk your fill of that delicious German beer, there’s no better accompaniment than some traditional Bavarian food. Some Oktoberfest specialties include pork knuckles (Haxn), spit-roasted chicken (Hendl), skewers of grilled whitefish (Steckerlfisch) and of course, German sausage (Wurstl).

And don’t overlook the snacks! Bavaria is famous for its over-sized pretzels (Brezel) and almonds glazed with sugar (Gebrannte Mandeln).

The Dancing

Music is an important part of Oktoberfest. All the beer tents will feature oom-pah bands or other traditional music. And with music, of course, there’s plenty of dancing opportunities. The most famous of these traditional dances is the Chicken Dance!

To begin, make your fingers into the shape of a chicken beak, opening and closing them. Next is the arm-flapping, with your elbows out and hands under your armpits. Then comes the bended knees and body-wiggling. Finally, stand up again, clap your hands and spinning in a circle or grab a partner and spin with them.

Each move is repeated four times, and gets faster as the song plays on.

And the advanced version is to do the aforementioned on the tables. ;-)

The Funfair

The Funfair has been another vital part of the Oktoberfest celebrations since the 19th century. There are roller coasters, Ferris wheels and other thrill rides. There’s even more food available here on the Budenstraße, or Avenue of Booths, and games of chance.

And don’t forget the souvenir and numerous other stands, where you can buy/shoot/play/box something that will help you to always remember your time at our Oktoberfest.

—Marcus

The German national team is meeting now to prepare, and millions of Germans and foreigners are watching these preparations closely. How well will Germany do at the games?

Traditionally, Germany turns in a great performance at the World Cup games. We have won the tournament three times, behind only Brazil and Italy. In the last 14 World Cups, we have always made the quarterfinals, won the most vice-champions, and it looks good for us this year, too.

Currently, Germany is ranked 5th overall. We’re a part of Group D, along with Serbia, Australia, and Ghana. Tickets for the matches still don’t sell that fast, but the Germany vs. Ghana match sold out back in March. To watch live, you will now have to try and find a secondary dealer for tickets, likely at a very inflated price.

Fortunately, the games will be broadcast on international television, and you can be sure that it will be no mystery when the games are on in Germany! World Cup watch parties and “Public Viewing” are popular in Germany, and local beer halls frequently have special events related to broadcasts.

After hosting the World Cup games in 2006, Germans have been even bigger supporters of the games. If you are traveling through Germany between June 11th and July 11th, expect to see us all in our jerseys on game days and to hear endless discussions of the matches.

Don’t be surprised at all the other gossip that is discussed, either. Not all of the drama is on the field! For example, because the coach of the German national team, Joachim Löw, has a contract expiration date near the date of the games, there has been a great deal of speculation about his next move. Mesut Ozil, one of the star players, is also a big topic of discussion.

Whether you like to watch the games or simply talk about them, I encourage you to follow Germany’s progress through the 2010 World Cup tournament. You can get the latest news about the team and their group on the Germany Team page on fifa.com or in any German publication with a sports section!

—Marcus

Now we have a volcanic ash cloud over Europe, and the majority of its airspace is closed.

If you are stranded in Germany due to volcanic ash, don’t despair. While I would love for you to stay in my beautiful country, I understand you want to go home.

Here are some of the other ways to get around Germany and Europe when the airports are closed:

• Take An Airplane — I agree, this may sound very strange… they say the airspace is closed, so how in the world can one travel through Europe using an airplane? The thing is that most people are unaware of the fact that airspace below 6,000 meters is still open! (Note: The normal air traffic takes place at an altitude of between 6,000 and 11,000 meters.) So, contact your air carrier and ask them if they provide (or know of another carrier that provides) flights below the 6,000 meter mark (ex., Cessna flights). Or ask around small-sized airports and airfields for these type of flights.
• Take A Train — The German Rail System is one of the most efficient and advanced networks on the planet. Trains run to and from all of the major airports and cities, so book a Deutsche Bahn rail ticket for local and international travel. Remember, airports in Portugal and Spain are still open!
• Take A Bus — Though our train system is more famous, German bus lines are also very good and give you many options for getting around the country and even Europe. The Berlin Linien Bus company is one of the most well known, and I also offer an online bus tour booking service which covers convenient coach tours through Europe. As I mentioned just above, in just one or two days you could be in Spain or Portugal and then get back home from there since their airports are still open!
• Rent A Car — I told you just last week how easy it is to rent a car in Germany. The German airports are closed, but the German highways remain open!
• Take A Taxi — With more than 50,000 taxis in Germany, you should be able to find one at the nearest taxi stand, at the airport, or near any transit hub. If none are at the stand, ask to use the taxi phone (Taxirufsäule) or call the city’s taxi hotline, Taxi-Zentrale, which is in every phone directory. Fares over 50 km can be negotiated, and international travel is allowed but likely will be expensive — plan to pay at least 1 euro/km. You can also use this table of taxi fares by city as a guide (German).
• Share A Ride — In Germany, we have several Carpool services, which pairs travelers with others looking to share the cost of travel. It may be a bit adventurous, especially for those with no German skills (although, many drivers do speak English), but why be stuck when you can make a new friend and get moving?

Either way, I wish all of my readers stuck around Germany the very best as you try to get home. In the meantime, you can book a hotel room (special prices included) and watch the visual map of the ash cloud online or read the latest airport closing updates.

Good Luck!

—Marcus

Today is not merely the first of April. Today is also April Fool’s Day, so be on guard against pranksters and tricksters roaming around looking for gullible types. April Fool’s Day is quite popular throughout Germany, so you can’t relax anywhere!

Part of the reason that April Fool’s Day is so popular in Germany is that according to some, the holiday originated here. However, there are multiple stories about its birth.

One of the oldest stories traces the holiday back to Augsburg in 1530. There, a group of lawmakers was supposed to be meeting on April 1st to discuss a number of financial projects. However, the meeting didn’t happen. As a result, many speculators lost money, earning them the title of “April Fools.”

According to another story, April Fool’s Day was started in Darmstadt by Gabriel Hoffman. No one is sure of his motivation, but there is no doubt that the holiday has certainly caught on around the country.

You can’t even trust the news on April 1st. Many of the national and local papers put out a special April Fool’s Day edition. This has caused some international sensations as multi-national syndicates pick up the stories without realizing they’re fake.

Some of the 2009 national hoaxes included the announcement of women’s only parking spaces, magnetic towing on BMW cars, and the banning of lederhosen sales.

For 2010, the pranks are anyone’s guess. . . keep your eyes and ears open! ;-)

To see some of the great April Fool’s Day hoaxes from Germany’s history, you can look at the archives at the Museum of Hoaxes. Also, don’t be shy about sharing the hoaxes you think should have been included in the list!

Traditionally, pranks are supposed to be played before noon, although the national pranks tend to go on all day or even for a couple of days.

However long your April Fool’s Day experience lasts, enjoy!

—Marcus

If you are up to an exceptional dose of culture, you will want to head to the Black Forest town of Gernsbach this next week. Each year just before Easter, the town hosts one of Europe’s premier puppet festivals.

The Gernsbacher Puppentheaterwoche (Gernsbach Puppet Theater Week) attracts the top puppeteers from Germany and Austria. For one week straight they stage performances for adults and children. Some are light-hearted and funny, while others are darker artistic pieces.

No matter the subject, the visual experience is superb. Many of the puppets are made by hand especially for the event. With intricate costumes and sets, the stories really come to life in ways that can make you forget there are any human performers involved!

For 2010, there will be more than 14 puppet performances. Some will be traditional stories for children, while others, like Caravaggio, are original works design specifically for the festival. There are performances each day of the festival, which is being held March 20 – 27 this year.

Even if you can’t make a performance, you will still want to head to Gernsbach for the workshops and exhibitions. You can see museum displays of historical puppets made in Germany at both the town hall and the main library.

If you’ve ever thought of trying your own hand at being a puppet master, then you will want to attend some of the workshops. There are workshops for children’s entertainment, but there are also in-depth teaching events for those with an interest in being on stage.

Tickets for the day and evening shows are available from the town culture and tourist office at +49-7224-644-44 or by email through touristinfo@gernsbach.de.

It’s a novel festival with a lot of culture packed into just seven short days, so try to find at least one day where you can visit!

—Marcus

For me, it has certainly been enjoyable to see Germany’s shining performance in the Winter Olympic games again. True, Germany has traditionally done well at winter sports, thanks to our honorable attitude, many mountain ranges, excellent skiing opportunities, and the exemplary national support, but we were not always a medals leader.

During these games, however, German athletes certainly seemed to be going for the win again. You can see from our final standings just how well we did in the overall medals count. In both team and individual sports, Germany’s Olympic champions gave their all to earn recognition for their event and their country.

Besides, in the all time Winter Olympics medals count we are, with 358 medals thereunder 128 gold medals, a convincing number one. :-)

Germany’s strong showing at the 2010 games has broader implications than just enhancing our national pride. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we have an upcoming bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Munich has put in an official bid for the games, with the theme Die Spiele im Herzen, meaning “The Games in the Heart.”

If Munich wins the bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics, it would become the first location in the world to have hosted both the Summer and the Winter Games. It would also be the first Olympic Games hosted in Germany since the reunification, which would be meaningful for many Germans.

The bid has an environmentally conscious bent, promoting the use of existing winter sports facilities near Munich, like the ski jump courses at Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the bobsled, luge, and skeleton tracks at Schönau am Königssee in the kingly Berchtesgadener Land. It is also being promoted by Katarina Witt, one of Germany’s most famous (and gorgeous ;-) Winter Olympic champions.

By doing so well in the 2010 Winter Games, Germany enhances its chances of getting the bid for the 2018 Olympics. Our strong performance testifies to the high quality of our training sites and competition grounds as well as exemplifying our commitment to sports excellence.

Keep your fingers crossed that we win the bid, and I’ll save you a seat next to me at the 2018 Winter Olympic games! :-)

—Marcus

Like most of the other peoples of the world, this morning finds Germans waking up a bit worn out from the night before. Even if you only stayed home and watched Dinner For One, our traditional New Year’s Eve programming here in Germany, it is easy to be tired by setting the work of the old year aside.

For those of us who went out for a St. Silvester’s party or attended a fireworks show, well, thank goodness for coffee! ;-)

Of course, New Year’s Day is not all about recovering from New Year’s Eve. This is also the traditional day in Germany to say Thank You to the people who have served you throughout the past year. Small gifts for business partners, the newspaper delivery boy, your grocer, or the doorman at your building are customarily given on this day.

Many people also set their Neujahrsvorsätze, or New Year’s Resolutions. These are popular in Germany although not quite as institutionalized as a practice like they are in the U.S. or Great Britain.

Still, setting goals or making wishes for the year ahead is much talked about here, even if we know that the majority has no intention of following through on resolutions to eat right, lose weight, or give up one’s favorite time wasting hobbies ;-)

As for me, my Neujahrsvorsätze for MyGermanCity.com is to keep developing this site into an entertaining and informative portal for all things related to Germany.

In the year ahead, you will see more webcams, maps, and finally the photo galleries to give you an even closer look at what’s going on “now and then” in Germany. Also look forward for more developments of the Community area (whose gates will hopefully opened in 2010).

Until then, however, enjoy this day and the things here now. Make some Neujahrsvorsätze of your own regarding Germany, research them on MyGermanCity.com, and, of course, let me know what you miss.

I look forward to hearing from you as you achieve your resolutions.

All the best for you and yours,
Marcus

Here in Germany the snow is on the ground, making the white lights of the German Christmas Markets really twinkle and shine. I luckily and gratefully enjoyed them in person here in Berlin, by the way.

Of course, on Christmas Day we will all be together for a big meal and the exchanging of presents. The day after Christmas I’ll be around visiting close friends and other family members. I traveled a lot this year, so I have a bunch of stories to share and people to catch up with before the year is through.

Wherever you are, I wanted to take a few minutes this day to wish you the very best of the holiday season. Whether you will be celebrating Christmas in Germany or another corner of the world, I want you to feel the warmth of the German holiday season. Even for those who celebrate for purely secular reasons, it is a truly magical time of the year.

There are carolers and live music performances all over the country. Some of the carols that are shared I’ve collected here so that you can listen as well (links open in a new window):

• Stille Nacht (The famous Silent Night)
• Herbei, o ihr Gläubigen (O Come All Ye Faithful)
• Lasst uns froh und munter sein (Let Us Be Happy And Cheerful)
• Am Weihnachtsbaum die Lichter brennen (On The Christmas Tree The Lights Are Burning)

You may be able to catch some of these performances live, of course, via the webcams that are over the Christmas markets. I don’t have webcams for every town in Germany yet, but several of the bigger markets are covered, with more added all the time (including you, thank you!).

You can watch the markets via webcams in Dresden, Munich, and Berlin from several different parts of the city.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

—Marcus

Hugging trees for good luck is just one of many traditions that are celebrated around Thomasnacht (this very night from December 20th to 21st), which usually coincides with the Winter Solstice.

Another tradition is baking Kletzenbrot, which is a kind of fruit cake with lots of dried pears and raisins. Unmarried women can also toss shoes over their shoulders, and if the toes land pointing out, they will marry in the next year, as Thomasnacht is supposed to be a good night for predicting the future.

Of course, you don’t have to stay in trying to guess what’s going to happen to you in the year ahead. Instead, you can go out and have a good time at one of the Thomasnacht parties being held around Germany. Rüdesheim am Rhein plays host to a particularly well-developed party for this special day.

The Rüdesheim town association puts on the Thomasnacht party, which includes special drinks, pageants, and presentations. Locals dress in historical costumes and reenact scenes from the town’s history, while performers do street theater based on tales from the Brothers Grimm. There is even a special cruise down the Rhine with live classical music.

While the occasion is certainly festive, community events like these also serve as a way to get more people to come out to the Christmas markets. Since most of the shops close up on the 24th for the season, Thomasnacht also serves as a last hurrah for gift buyers and those looking to get souvenirs from the markets (including me ;-).

Thus, whether you just want a night out or you are trying to pick up a bit of good luck by hugging a tree, don’t neglect to take advantage of the peaking of the festive spirits around Thomasnacht! ;-)

—Marcus

Also known as Christstollen, it’s a very rich cake — you may want to eat it with a dark coffee on the side to balance the sweetness. There’s butter, cream, sugar, raisins, spices, and a strong dash of brandy or rum. (Regionally there’s also marzipan in the middle.) The top is covered with a grainy white sugar icing, and I can never stop with just one piece! ;-)

Neither can most Germans — Stollen is addictively good. This is one of the reasons that bakeries all over the world bring it out at the holidays. Baked in long, low loaves, it is sure to have customers clamoring for more.

As a result of its popularity, Stollen even has its own festival! Hosted in Dresden at the Striezelmarkt (Dresden’s Christmas Market on Altmarkt) the Saturday prior the second Advent, the highlight of the Stollenfest is the baking of a giant Stollen cake. The locals are honoring the effort of August the Strong, who once ordered a 1.8 ton Stollen cake!

This was back in 1730, and I’ve no idea how his baker managed. For years, no one else tried, but gradually curiosity got the better of the locals. In 1994, the organizers of Dresden’s Christmas markets decided to bring the tradition back, and have been baking giant Stollen cakes each year since then.

The average “uber cake” now has 44 liters of Jamaican rum and weighs in at between three and four tons. Cut with a four foot (1.2 meter) silver knife by the Royal Master Baker, 500 gram pieces of the festival cake are then sold to attendees for about 3 Euro. With an average of 700,000 people turning out each year to enjoy the festival, it’s a good thing the cake is so large so that everyone can get a piece!

If you can’t make the festival, and your local baker doesn’t have any Stollen, you can also order it online from a number of traditional bakers, including the American based Dresden Stollen bakery.

However you manage, be sure you get a taste of Stollen this season, so you can see why so many people — including me, of course — adore this wonderful holiday cake. :-)

—Marcus

The BAMBI Award may not be well known in the U.S., but in the world of European and international entertainment it is better known than the Oscars or the Grammy’s. In Germany, surveys have shown that 94% of the population is aware of the award — and I’m assuming the other 6% are still babies (who were left unasked… ;-).

The BAMBIs are simply that big.

Created in 1948, the award originally honored movie stars. Over the years, it has evolved to glorify all facets of media entertainment as well as global achievements and excellence in general categories.

Despite the versatility of the categories, the criteria remains strict: You must be extremely popular in your category. Also, award winners are those who “with vision and creativity who affected and inspired the German public” for that year.

The award winners are selected exclusively by Hubert Burda Media, the largest print media group in Germany (they run more than 60% of the magazines). The exclusivity and the limited award categories makes the prize truly treasured.

The 2009 and 2010 BAMBI awards will be presented in Potsdam, at the Babelsberg Film Studio Park. This park is the world’s oldest studio grounds and a very prestigious one, having shot movies with everyone from Marlene Dietrich to Tom Cruise and Matt Damon.

The ceremony tomorrow, November 26th, will be a glittering celebrity event, as it is every year. More than 6 million Germans tune in to watch annually, and the event is carried on most major networks along with Deutsche Welle.

Attending is the place to see and be seen for the fall, so everyone who is anyone will be out on the red carpets, hoping to be noticed and wishing to win a BAMBI of their very own.

—Marcus

Whether we will be one of the millions crowding the streets around the Brandenberg Gate or some of the millions watching at home, there is no doubt that we will be thinking about the Berlin Wall and its impact on our lives.

For me, it will be quite a day of reflection.

I remember the day the Berlin Wall came down very well as I was watching and listening to the news as much as I could that time, in every free minute that I had. I’m a West German and the happiness for my fellow East Germans sunk through my body as they finally climbed the Wall and experienced freedom that night.

It’s hard to recapture that excitement and the sensations, although people are trying. This past weekend has been “A Weekend of Freedom” in the media, with interviews, retrospectives, and footage clips of life with the Berlin Wall and the moment it was torn down. Check Deutsche Welle for special footage online if you missed the original broadcasts.

While all of the commentary is really something, there is also the impact of the images. You can see all kinds of images of the Berlin Wall online, including the famous graffiti on the western side of the Wall. The pictures span the infamous photos from the speeches promising us there would be no Wall to the well-known shots of the Wall being pulled down.

These shots will be reviewed again as the State Orchestra does its performance at the Brandenberg Gate tonight, and they pull down the large dominoes that are being used to symbolize the old cement of the Berlin Wall. There will be a large fireworks show starting as the “Wall” is pulled down, and I imagine that I will not be the only one watching with an emotional heart.

Are you going to be there? I know I am.

—Marcus

Instead, on October 31st, some parts of Germany will be celebrating Reformation Day, but otherwise it’s a day like any other. The bigger day in Germany isn’t “All Hallow’s Eve” but rather November 1st, All Saints Day, Allerheiligen. It’s a public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.

And yet . . . you do see Halloween things in the shops around the end of October. There are a few witches hats, monster masks, and orange and black products for sale. Some areas with a lot of expats will organize trick or treating door to door for children, but this isn’t a widespread custom.

A better plan to get the “Halloween Spirit” would be to take your family to one of the Pumpkin Festivals. These are more about celebrating the harvest and having a party than real Halloween, but they do include pumpkin carving contests, fun rides, and costume competitions.

Some of the biggest are in Dormagen, which has its own Pumpkin Island, and in amusement parks such as Belantis outside Leipzig, which incorporates a Halloween theme and offers discounts for children in costume, and the Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg, which got an entire week of Halloween stuff going on.

This is not to imply that Germany is completely without a Halloween-like tradition, though. The Celtic people who are responsible for most of the Halloween legends lived in many places in Germany, leaving behind their stories of witches and ghouls.

The difference for us Germans is that we choose to acknowledge and celebrate those legends in April, not October. Known as Walpurgis Night, this “German Halloween” has bonfires, costume parties, and witch hats galore.

Thus, if you don’t feel like you’ve gotten the Halloween you wanted in Germany in October, well, you will just have to come back and visit again in the spring! ;-)

—Marcus

You see, while Oktoberfest is a beer festival at heart, the soul of the event is the food. After all, you can’t very well enjoy fine German beers for hours without a little something to go along with it. So “traditional” food is brought out — sauerkraut, preztels, and sausage.

The mistake is in thinking that any sausage will do for Oktoberfest. Currywurst, bratwurst, kielbasa…

Wrong, wrong, and wrong.

To be truly authentic, you have to serve weisswurst.

Weißwurst is one of those delicious accidents. In 1857, Munich butcher Sepp Moser was out of his usual sausage making supplies. Forced to improvise, he invented the distinctive boiled veal sausage with the pig skin shell.

Now, more than 75 million weisswursts are made each year, and Munich butchers take the quality of their product very seriously. A good weisswurst should be white, like snow (OK, almost…), and you should be able to see small flecks of green seasoning through the casing. Faded gray sausages are imitations, and usually poor quality.

You can get good weisswurst from quality butchers all over the world, or in specialty import shops. Truly authentic sausages have a special seal indicating that they were made in Munich.

To further impress your guests, be sure to serve them correctly. Weisswursts are served in pairs. They are traditionally accompanied by sweet (!) mustard with puffy pretzels.

The taste combination is one that really invokes the spirit of true Oktoberfest. Once the weisswursts are ready, all that you need is some good beer to go with it. Purists will insist on weissbeer, but as long as you are serving the right food to go with it, I’ll toast you with any one of Germany’s excellent Oktoberfest brews! ;-)

—Marcus