Bonn

Those who keep to the strict Catholic traditions of Advent should not come to Germany before Christmas. In the time of fasting and relinquishing pleasures, here the Christmas markets are springing up all over where fragrant foods incite one to linger and the mulled wine flows.

I would like to present the North-Rhine Westphalian city of Cologne to my readers at home with a photo article about Christmas markets that are traditional, alternative or designed for specific groups, such as homosexuals.

Every year, the Christmas markets all over the country open precisely at the beginning of Advent and close on Christmas Eve. For four weeks, the squares of the cities are full of brisk goings-on. Christmas items, textiles, leather goods and other arts and crafts are presented in sales booths.


People who have tired of the festive throng are invited at every corner to stop for a breather and to nibble on various snacks. The favourites are sausages, steaks, potato pancakes, hot chestnuts and a variety of sweets. A Christmas market is unthinkable without mulled wine, which is usually served in cups bearing the symbols of the market – that cost 2.50 euros deposit. That’s about seven litas.


Many markets have stages offering space for concerts and other festive performances. Those who become weary of the common Christmas markets will find various alternative markets in the city. This year, Cologne, which is known for its tolerance towards sexual minorities, opened its first gay market called “Christmas Avenue.” The relatively small market differs very little from the other markets; observant eyes will merely notice that in addition to waffles and potato pancakes, special underwear for homosexuals are offered rather than warm woollen stockings. Booths offer information about homosexual organizations or about HIV facilities.


Those seeking alternatives of another kind will also find opportunities. There are a variety of markets in the city that are not open all month long, but only on certain days. For instance, over the first weekend of December, the arts and crafts Christmas market “Homemade Cologne” was held in the Cologne quarter of Ehrenfeld. In most cases, visitors must pay an entrance fee for such events; the price is about three euros, or ten litas.


In Germany, the shopping phase begins earlier, since many people and children in particular already expect presents on 6 December. This is the day that Saint Nicholas is celebrated – one of the prototypes of Santa Claus. In Germany, it is an indispensable tradition to surprise the little ones with presents. The children leave their shoes outside the door and in the morning, they find them filled with gifts from Saint Nicholas. These gifts are usually somewhat more modest than Christmas presents.


Some Germans like to surprise their loved ones every day in Advent with a small delight and give them an Advent calendar. Some are bought in shops and filled with pieces of chocolate. The more imaginative, however, think up something more original. For example, 24 stockings, each containing a small gift or the promise to fulfil the wishes of the loved ones.