The famous Leonhardifahrt or Leonhardiritt in South Bavaria is a solemn pilgrimage of horses and cattle in early November to honor the patron St. Leonhard. The magnificently decorated four wheeled horse drawn carriages, lead by a coachmen, come from near and far in the early hours and ride the streets and alleys of Bavarian towns. Continue reading Leonhardifahrt, a horse and carriage procession in Bavaria
The Viktualienmarkt is a Biergarten in the middle of Munich. There you can buy the famous Weisswurst. It is the custom that you eat the hot Weisswurst with a grainy sweet Mustard and Pretzel. Originally it was served before noon, now all day, in a covered soup bowl submerged in hot water. Continue reading How the Weisswurst was born (Recipe)
When in Rothenburg, I have often looked up to the Rathaus clocks and wondered if this little piece of history is true, or just folklore. I mean, who drinks one gallon of wine one sitting?! It’s up for you to decide. Also see “Three Days in Rothenburg” Thanks to three clocks, time never stops in the Ratstrinkstube (City Drinking Hall) Below the gable of the … Continue reading Rothenburg Rathaus History
A very old custom is “Weiberfastnacht” or „Altweiberfasching“. This holiday is the third Thursday of the month in February, before Ash Wednesday in the Karneval season, and celebrated mostly in the Rheinland area It was originally a day for women, now also celebrated by both sexes, as the beginning of the six-day peak of the carnival season. Remnants of the original purpose are that women … Continue reading Weiberfastnacht, a day Women go crazy
The Krampus is an Alpine custom, a frightening figure of the Advent (beginning of December). While accompanying Saint Nicholas, Nicholas presents good children, and the naughty ones are punished by Krampus, the evil counterpart. Continue reading The Krampus Folklore
The Schwibbogen is a candle arch from the Erzgebirge. It’s a Christmas decoration that can be found in almost any home in the region. The Schwibbögen is an integral part of the Erzgebirge folk art. Continue reading Schwibbogen Candle Arch
