Christmas in Europe

Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is the site of this Christmas display with over 3.5 million lights. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Der Erfurter Weihnachtsmarkt bei Nacht von der Zitadelle Petersberg aus gesehen. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Christmas lights on South Molton Street, Central London, UK. Christmas season 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A gathering of Carol Singers in front of the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square, London England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Picture of the Ferris Wheel at the Hyde Park Christmas Market (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Cologne Christmas market lit up during the evening (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Christmas lights Nederlands: Kerstverlichting (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the sexy santa assistants were there to take a photo of you in front of the xmas tree or you could just ask them to take a photo with you and pretend that your girlfriend is a sexy santa assistant See where this picture was taken. [?] (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Christopher Walters

The ancient and historic lands of Europe have town, villages, and cities where some of them date back to the day of the first historic Christmas. Other mostly established in the centuries that followed but their long histories are closely tied to the holiday of Christmas. Some of have dramatic festivals and snow covered scenery straight out of a storybook. No matter what you're particular religion, spending the Christmas season with your family in the fabled lands of Europe can be a one of kind and all together magical experience. Here are a few of the towns and villages with some of the best Christmas celebrations anywhere in the world.

1. Salzburg, Austria

The town of Salzburg is not only the birthplace of the legendary composer Mozart and the setting for the iconic "Sound of Music", it has one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. It attracts millions of visitors every season to shop the hundreds of stalls, shops, and celebrations as the air fills with the amazing sounds of the season. There are children's puppet shows and choir singing songs, making this place a magical Christmas setting high in the stunning snowy mountains of the Alps. The town is light with million of lights and horse drawn sleighs trot along the cobblestones. There are countless places to find one of kind Christmas treasures, toys, treats, and ornaments. Step into a quiet caf� and warm yourself with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of wine.

2. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

This historic medieval town nestled deep in the Black Forest of Germany is probably one of the most magical and enchanting places to visit around Christmas time. Christmas is so important here that they even have a massive Christmas market that is open all year around. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland and the market, known as Reiterlesmarkt, dates back to the 15th century. Aside from the fantastic shopping where shops and stalled are filled with toys, ornaments, and heavenly treats, the town itself will have you swearing Santa's workshop might be just around the corner. The buildings are hundreds of years old and the cobblestone streets give the entire town a very romantic feel. Make sure to stop by and nibble on their signature treat, the Schneeball or snowball, which is essentially sweet fried dough, rolled in sugar. It's truly a winter fairyland.

3. Dresden, Germany

The Christmas market began in here in 1434 and is the oldest and most popular in Germany. The entire city is alight with Christmas lights and there is no shortage of holiday fun to have. From the Gingerbread Festival in early December to the Stollenfest to the Christmas Arch Festival, the holiday events last all month long. Each one brings to life the history, traditions, and customs through carols and dances and the entire city delights in the cheer of the Christmas season. The children are front and center for the season too. Santa and his elves meet with the little ones and there are enchanting storybook cottages that will have the kids sure they have stepped into one of their fairytales. There is also a children's railway and merry-go-round in the children's adventure land. Kids can enjoy puppet sows, story telling or simply sinking their teeth in delicious treats and chocolates. Enjoy authentic gingerbread in the very land where it originated or stop in and a local pub or restaurant to warm your toes.

4. Prague, Czech Republic

The Christmas season lasts all month long in the Czech Republic and the capital city of Prague hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe. The city is wrapped in Christmas lights and the air is filled with the sounds of Christmas carols emanated from both the streets and any one of the gothic churches. The Old Town Square and the Wenceslas Square host the main Christmas markets where you can not only buy ornaments, winter gear, jewelry, traditional souvenirs or toys, but also hearty food and hot wine on a chilly winter evening. Enjoy some traditional seasonal food such as roasted ham, sausage, or Trdelnik, which is a delicious sugary pastry. The pubs are a place where you can relax, socialize and enjoy some of the local beer. The children will enjoy the Nativity scene and a chance to pet the goats and sheep or awe at the massive Christmas tree in Old Town Square. You can also enjoy phenomenal operas and symphonies as well. All month long, the city becomes even more spectacular than usual.

5. London, England

In the land of Charles Dickens, the classic Christmas tales come to life in front of your eyes. Seems as though every inch of the city is covered in Christmas lights. During the holiday season you can enjoy ice-skating and Christmas choirs singing into the chilly night air. A visit to the annual Winter Wonderland and you can see ice sculptures and shop until you drop. There are several Christmas markets that offer all kind of treats, toys, souvenirs, clothing, ornaments, etc, There are shows, plays, and symphonies to get yourself in the mood for the season. There are sleigh rides and Santa's Grotto along with a stroll through the 105-acre wildlife oasis. You can hear the story of Scrooge in London's Wetland Centre. The famous store Harrods also gets a visit from Santa giving the family a chance for shopping, photos with Santa, and even real-life reindeer. You can also see real reindeer at the London Zoo along with Santa and his elves as well. The list is endless and you are sure to stay in the Christmas spirit for a long time.

For more information on traveling to Europe please visit http://www.destinationeuropeonline.com/blog/?page_id=510

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-in-Europe&id=7946826] Christmas in Europe

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Ideas for a Christmas Vacation in France

English: Christmas Market on Saint Louis square, Metz, France. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Mihaela C Schwartz

Spending Christmas in France looks like a great idea, no matter if you are planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation. Nicely decorated cities, scenic locations, great wine, delicious cuisine, exciting opportunities for outdoor activities, well preserved traditions, charming Christmas markets and lots of things to do are waiting for you. Here are a few ideas of Christmas vacations in France.

Discover the Delicious Pizzelle Cookie

Pizzelle in a loose stack. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Carrie Tyler


Pizzelle is an Italian waffle cookie that is especially popular around Easter and Christmas. They are fairly large, at around five inches, and are usually made one or two at a time. It is traditionally made with a pizzelle maker, similar to a waffle iron, held by hand over a stove burner. With the creation of electric irons, they are becoming a popular snack for people who lack the time to prepare them in the old fashioned way. The irons leave a snowflake pattern on the cookies.
If you are going to make these cookies by hand, you'll need flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, margarine, or vegetable oil. You'll also need flavoring. Common flavorings include anise, vanilla, lemon zest, chocolate, cinnamon, and orange. If you don't have the time or inclination to cook but still want fresh cookies, you can also buy a pizzelle mix. In some grocery stores, you can buy premade pizzelles.
There are many comparable cookies in various regions. Krumkakes from Norway are quite similar. The pizzelle is thought to be based on the crustulum, which is an ancient Roman cookie. Although pizzelle is the most common name, in the Lazio, Italy area they are called ferratelle and in Molise they might also be called cancelle.
Pizzelles can be eaten in a variety of ways. Sometimes they are had as flat cookies. They are often crunchy, but they can also be prepared in a way to make them chewy and soft. A wooden dowel can be used when they are fresh to roll the pastry into a cone shape. This pastry can then be filled with cannoli cream or another filling. A filling can also be spread on them while flat to make a sandwich cookie.
While they can be eaten year round, they are mostly known for special occasions. These include the Christmas season and Easter weekend. Italian weddings are also a common place where these are found. However, since technology makes it easier to cook fresh ones at home with little effort, they are gaining popularity as a treat that can be eaten at any time.
Though they may always be most prevalent in Italian households, they are gaining mainstream appeal. If local grocery stores don't carry them prepackaged, they can always be purchased over the internet. Pizzelle bakers have made it simply for anyone to make up a stack of cookies on a Sunday morning. They are good both fresh and after they have cooled.
The best way to have these cookies is freshly baked. If you are looking for a pizzelle cookie maker that will save you time in the kitchen, consider the VillaWare pizzelle maker.

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Events and Festivals in Italy (Winter Season)

Image via Wikipedia
By Kristie Haller


WINTER
There are fairs, markets, and religious events up and down the country at this time of year. Neapolitan Christmas cribs are famous and nearly every church has one. The Christmas holiday itself is low key; more is made of other religious events such as the liquefaction of San Gennaro's blood in Naples and the Carnevale in Venice.

I Love Sightseeing Tours of Italy - Tuscany Winter Attractions and Events

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By Levi Reiss


The Tuscany region of central Italy is famous for wine and food. Tuscany is proud of their white truffles, one of the tastiest and most expensive "mushrooms" in the world. On the second, third and fourth weekends November, why not visit La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco (Festival of the White Truffle) in the medieval hilltop town of San Miniato? Besides the food you can enjoy craft displays, theater performances, and marching bands.

The Magic of Christmas in Rome

Image by paparutzi via Flickr
By Danielle Russo


Perhaps best of all about visiting Rome at the holidays (certainly not the weather, December can be close to freezing) is the experience of the wonderful and exuberant traditions of an Italian Christmas which can be seen all across the city.
Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most popular squares becomes a center stage during the holiday season. A Christmas market is set up here which includes all sorts of games, candy and toys for children as well as holiday crafts, artists and food for the adults. Children here get their stockings for the "Befana" also known as the good little witch which brings candy to the kids on the day of the epiphany. Even Santa makes his special appearance here.

Guide to Piazza Navona Christmas Market, Rome, Italy

Image by oneillsdc5 via Flickr

By Orson Johnson


If you happen to be in Rome during the Christmas season, you should not fail to pay visit to the Piazza Navona Christmas Market. From the market, visitors will be able to spot famous Roman architecture in the surrounding areas. The market square is an important part of the city's architectural history and was built in the first century to serve as a Roman Circus where the people could enjoy games, horse races and theatrical shows. The piazza Navona was once known as the Stadium of Domitian. It is is hedged in by a beautiful church and three fountains, namely, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Fountain of the Moor and the Fountain of Neptune. There are a few other buildings around the piazza as well.

Celebrating Christmas in Italy

Image by paparutzi via Flickr
By Pollux Parker


The Christmas in Italy is celebrated in a different manner as compared to other countries. The Italian Christmas season in Italy lasts not only for a day but for a total of three weeks and it always begin with a novena.
The Novena is observed eight days before the 25th of December. It is a fun filled period that celebrated with beautiful music and laughter. Traditionally, the Novena period is observed by groups of young musicians, equipped with their musical instruments, going around their neighborhood and singing Christmas songs and reciting poems for Christmas. Musicians can also choose to be in a shepherd's clothes. They would often perform at different houses in their neighborhood and after their performance; they would be given monetary gifts.

Christmas Is All Around in London

Image via Wikipedia
By Farrah M Hedwat


Despite being the setting for Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", the attitude of this capital city is far from "Humbug" when it comes to celebrating the festive season. Indeed, it seems that with every year that goes by, London strives to improve on its previous performances by rolling out even bigger and better decorations, lights, attractions and general merrymaking in a bid to become the most Christmassy of cities.
Visitors to England's capital this winter can't fail to feel the Christmas cheer as they negotiate the main shopping streets with their glittering window displays, bundle up in hats and mittens for a stroll through the parks, or marvel at the myriad landmarks as the strains of carolling fills the air with festivity.
Whether you live in London or are visiting for a Christmas break, here are some tips on where to look if you're hoping to get the most Christmas for your money while out and about...
Christmas Lights
London's Christmas lights are arranged somewhat strategically this year, with different Christmas-themed items depicted above each main street.

Christmas Revelries Around the World

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Author: Katsoulis

Christmas is all set to knock at our doors! This much-awaited event of the year brims the life of every individual with loads of love and happiness, which lingers in mind forever. Though the spirit of Christmas is same all over the world yet there are some exotic places that teem with stimulating ambience during the festival, beguiling people from all over.
Australia
In the month of December when the entire northern hemisphere is reeling under chilling winters, Australia experiences soothing sunny weather! This is why millions of travellers book cheap flight tickets to Australia much in advance to relish memorable and fantastic Christmas holidays in an absolutely unique way. The country hosts an array of beachside parties on the Christmas Day at some renowned beaches including Bondi Beach, Bells Beach and Perth Beach. With dazzling streets, illuminated markets and a vibrant aura, Australia glitters like a star and feels like a happy place during the Christmas holidays.

Italy, Dolomites - When Advent Knocks on the Door

Image via Wikipedia
By Lena Seifert


In the authentic Sarntal Valley in Italy's South Tyrol traditions are kept alive passionately. For example, "Kloeckeln" is a tradition during the Advents time (the four weeks before Christmas) that exists here since the 16th Century and has survived until today in its special original form.
Anyone who visits the Sarntal valley finds authentic, evolved tradition, which is kept alive naturally by the Sarners. Customs are no routine rituals here; they are authentically observed and celebrated. A special tradition is Kloeckeln, a custom at the time of Advent with pagan elements. The term "Kloekeln" is derived from "klocken", which in Sarner dialect means as much as "to knock". In former times Kloeckeln existed in the entire Alps, nowadays it is kept alive only in a few valleys - and rarely as authentically as in the Sarntal valley.

Milan - A New Choice on How to Spend Christmas Holidays

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By Silem Oidualc


In these last years Milan is becoming one of the best and more popular destinations where to spend Christmas holidays. Thanks to the dozens of events it hosts everyday, such as fairs, typical markets, free concerts, cultural initiatives, Milan is today one of the most attractive cities in Europe for old and young people.
Especially at Christmas time the city changes its face; all begins on 7th December with a wonderful celebration for the feast of Saint'Ambrose, the city's patron Saint. Every year Milan in those days organizes an ancient and famous Christmas market full of sweet and typical products: the "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!" fair, that literally means "So Beautiful! So Beautiful!" Here you can find everything, from antique stalls and buskers to roast chestnuts and candy floss. The fair provides an excellent opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, and is particularly enjoyed by children.

Germany Travel Tip - Discover Cologne

Image by tamburix via FlickrBy Monika Petra


There are many ways to discover a city. One way is definitely through the taste of local foods and drinks. It's fun, delicious and tells a lot about the cultural heritage. Some dishes are only served or liked in a particular season, depending on the availability. Typical winter dishes will be a bit heavier while starting in early summer; people prefer fresh salads, fruits and vegetables. Tradition also still plays a role in the daily lives of Germans and thinking about the winter season in Cologne, one might picture Spekulatius, freshly roasted chestnuts and Reevkoche.

The Italian Region Veneto And Its Food And Wine Culture

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By: Michele de Capitani

The region Veneto does not need any presentation: thanks to its varied landscapes (the Dolomites first of all, which are now part of the Unesco World Heritage), to its beaches and to the art cities that are well-known all over the world, from Venice to Verona, Veneto is the most visited Italian region, with around 60 million tourist presences every year. The success of the region is also due to the numberless typical products that are part of the culture of this region, food and wines that can tell you a lot about this land and that can flavour a holiday in this wonderful region with peculiar and unforgettable flavours.

Carnival Time in Venice

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By Constance Grayson

Carnival - the very name excites the imagination. Carnival as celebrated in Venice, Italy is a six week pageant of costumed revelers wandering throughout the city, glimpsed crossing the picturesque bridges that traverse the canals. Masks, flowing costumes, characters from the Comedy of Arts, feathery hats, mysterious cloaks-all are part of carnival. It is, in essence, a six week party that takes place in many parts of Italy but most spectacularly in Venice.

Image by Jeff Hester via Flickr

Christmas Breaks in Barcelona

Author: Asif Khan

Christmas seems to begin earlier and earlier each year. It seems that no sooner do the skulls, witches and vampires for Halloween leave the shop windows do we see Santa Claus, Rudolph and the elves appear. Then as soon as Saint Steven's day arrives, the shops are full of the January sales! Well, Barcelona in Spain is different. OK, so maybe the decorations do start to spring up a little after Halloween, but Christmas festivities in Barcelona breaks go on for much longer than just 26th December.
New Years is a huge celebration, in the bars and restaurants, and on the streets. People are dressed up and there is a carnival atmosphere. As the clocks strike twelve, the people of Barcelona eat twelve grapes in time with each of the chimes.
There will be bright lights everywhere you go and gifts for anyone on your list. You might even find some snow. However, not as much as you may find in other parts of Europe. You will find singing all around, specialty foods that are only treasured during this time. You will also find that many places like museums celebrate the holidays but are not open on Christmas Day.
Shopping in the Catalan Capital of Barcelona is one of the best things to do to aside from visiting many of the cultural and heritage sites the Mediterranean city has to offer. Shopping malls and small winding alleyways filled with shops are the hub of the centre of the city - the old town, or Casc Antiguo - and there are certainly some bargains to be had if you know the right places.
On Christmas Eve in Barcelona you will find it filled with special visitors in the homes there. Mainly those homes with children will get a visit from the "caga tió" a round wooden log which represents the practice of giving presents. This log marks the beginning of the holiday season and that Santa Claus is coming. This is also the time many families gather and spend some time outdoors. During the day the parents will hide the log and then the children will find it and hit it with a stick to bring forth presents.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/christmas-breaks-in-barcelona-3800875.html
About the Author

Log on to http://www.citybreakbarcelona.co.uk/ and you'll find everything that you need for Barcelona Holidays.

Christmas in Zurich

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Author: Asif Khan

At the traditional Christmas markets and in Zürich's shops, both locals and visitors find inspiration for gifts and can treat themselves to delectable delicacies. The Christmas circuses are as much a part of the season as the New Year's Eve Magic with its legendary fireworks display hosted by the Zurich Hoteliers' Association. Thanks to the new Christmas lighting display on Bahnhofstrasse in the city center and special "Night and Sunday Shopping," visitors to Zürich city breaks can expect even more highlights during the Advent season.
Delight in the extravagant traditional celebrations of a magnificent European city in Zurich, where the country's largest market bustles around the most spectacular Christmas tree adorned with over 5000 Swarovski crystal decorations. Or discover bliss in an indulgent spa retreat nestled in the pristine snow-clad Alps. Allow the mountain air, and the world class wellness treatments, to revitalise your body, mind and soul.

What a disappointment if it is mild like last week in Zurich! Anticipation of festive things to come fills not only the minds and seasonal spirits of the young. A particular joy on your senses after dark, the cold air is redolent with a myriad of smells associated with Christmas like toasted almonds and chestnuts, chocolate-covered or candied red apples (called paradise apples here) and mulled wine. Wooden stalls with straw-covered roofs display a vast array of handmade crafts and art: old fashioned dolls, fragrant soaps, bees wax candles, silver jewelry, or environmentally correct wooden toys, (no lead, please).
Locally known as the Zurich Christkindlmarkt, this market is open from the 28th of November till the 24th of December and offers visitors a delightful array of various related goods and services. This is easily the biggest market in Switzerland with hundreds of stalls and thousands of visitors attending.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/christmas-in-zurich-3802423.html
About the Author

Log on to http://www.my-zurich.co.uk and you'll find everything that you need for Zurich Holidays

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Christmas markets in Brussels

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Author: Paul Buchanan

Belgium has become a haven for those looking for an authentic way to celebrate the festive season, thanks to the famous Christmas markets in Brussels offering yuletide gifts, snacks and entertainments in the heart of the historic city.

The two largest Christmas markets in the city - easily found at the Grand Place and St Catherine's area, respectively - offer a plethora of attractions and entertainments for visitors of all ages throughout the Christmas period, a far cry from the overly commercialised and sanitised Christmas celebrations found in many cities in the UK and elsewhere.

Belgium may not have invented the Christmas market tradition - that honour belongs to Germany - but this smaller nation has undoubtedly taken the top spot in the minds of travellers from around the world, looking for a city break destination ideal for celebrating the season of goodwill. With fairground attractions including a big wheel and carousels, not to mention skating events held at the city's ice skating rink, ensuring that 21st century kids will be just as satisfied with the entertainment on offer as older generations.

That's not to say Brussels' Christmas markets are all about exerting energy though, as the Brussels Winter Wonderland is packed with cultural attractions to appeal to lovers of the arts too - with a number of free performances and remarkable ice sculptures gracing the streets during the period. The market stalls themselves are a major highlight, of course, and whether you're looking for home-made decorations, seasonal snacks or mulled wine, Brussels won't disappoint.

The city hosts around 240 wooden chalets specially constructed for the winter season, where visitors can buy all manner of gifts, and they transform the Belgian capital into a true winter wonderland. The shops open late into the night throughout December - typically 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends - meaning you'll never feel rushed to get your Christmas shopping in during the day time. Even if you prefer to visit Brussels after spending Christmas at home with the family, the Winter Wonderland festivities take place right through to New Year.

Brussels' Christmas markets are conveniently located if you're staying near the city centre, whether at the Hotel Brussels Midi or other popular accommodation, and if you're staying in Belgium for a longer period, you could also consider taking the trip to nearby Bruges. The markets here may be less impressive in size and scale, but the yuletide atmosphere is still on par with the best Christmas markets in Europe.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/christmas-markets-in-brussels-3802422.html
About the Author

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Top Six Christmas Markets To Visit In Europe

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Author: Lindy Howard

At Christmas time, Europe comes alive with Christmas markets. These are set up in all major cities throughout Europe, in one form or another, during the Christmas season, and have been for centuries.
Magical and fascinating, Europe's Christmas markets excite visitors with handicrafts, mulled wine, gingerbreads, large Christmas trees, wooden craft stalls, carollers, free mugs of ale and sell delicately hand-crafted holiday decorations.
We've put together a list of the top six Christmas markets to visit in Europe:

Cologne Market
Cologne's glitzy Christmas markets take place in four locations in the city attracting as many as two million guests every year. The most famous location is 'Am Dom' located in Cathedral Square, overlooking the Cologne Cathedral and featuring the largest christmas tree. There are 160 stalls set up which are visited by wandering street musicians. This is a very special area for children and the young at heart boasts a merry-go-round, puppet theatre and Santa's Grotto.
Nuremberg Market
This market which first opened in 1628 features 200 stalls situated on a cobblestone area. Nuremberg Market is specially known for hand-crafted wooden figures. Specialty foods to be found at this market are spicy sausages known as Bratwurst and sweet gingerbread. Visitors are alerted to watch for 'the Christ Child' who may on market opening day encounter a young child dressed in a gold and white robe, wearing a golden crown and seen moving quickly about the market welcoming visitors with Christmas greetings.
Munich Market
A special Christmas market takes place in the Marienplatz area, dating back to the 17th century. The official opening takes place on the first Friday before Advent featuring the lighting of a very tall Christmas tree. The Crib Market features handmade nativity figurines from Braveria and Austria. Special music is rendered daily by Alpine choirs and musicians.
Vienna Market
'Christkindlmarkt', opening in mid-November, features wooden huts surrounding the town hall. This is believed to be the oldest market in all of Europe. There is a special section 'Vokshalle'. Perhaps the best translation of this word for American visitors is 'tot drop and shop'. Many large shopping malls and chain stores such as WalMart have special areas where children will be cared for by specially-trained and designated employees while parents shop. In the Vokshalle, children spend time making gifts and cookies while parents shop. World-famous choirs perform programs especially on each weekend in December.
Dresden Market
This is the oldest market in Germany, dating back to 1434. Special foods include a sweet fruitcake drizzled with sugar icing. The Stollen Festival takes place on the second Sunday in December. Today's visitors view a 3000kg Stollen being borne through the city. There are 250 stalls featuring glass-blown balls, Saxony ceramics and blue and white print cloth known as 'Blaudruck'.
Berlin Market
The main attraction of this market is Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskriche which is the ruins of a church left untouched from a WWII bombing incident. Berlin's Christmas markets take place in Potsdamer Platz, Alte Potsdamer Strasse (small), in front of Charlottenburg Castle, and the most beautiful, Gendarmenmarkt.
They're definitely worth a visit, and certainly a must-do if you ever visit Europe in winter time.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/top-six-christmas-markets-to-visit-in-europe-3781124.html
About the Author

About the Author

This article is contributed by Anytrip.com, a budget travel company which offers cheap hotels in Germany so that you can enjoy the Christmas season and markets for less!

Italy, Dolomites – When Advent Knocks on the Door

Image via Wikipedia

By: Lena Seifert

In the authentic Sarntal Valley in Italy's South Tyrol traditions are kept alive passionately.  For example, "Kloeckeln" is a tradition during the Advents time (the four weeks before Christmas) that exists here since the 16th Century and has survived until today in its special original form. 
Anyone who visits the Sarntal valley finds authentic, evolved tradition, which is kept alive naturally by the Sarners. Customs are no routine rituals here; they are authentically observed and celebrated. A special tradition is Kloeckeln, a custom at the time of Advent with pagan elements. The term "Kloekeln" is derived from "klocken", which in Sarner dialect means as much as "to knock". In former times Kloeckeln existed in the entire Alps, nowadays it is kept alive only in a few valleys – and rarely as authentically as in the Sarntal valley. The evenings for Kloeckeln are the three Thursday evenings in Advent before the winter solstice. On December 3, 10, and 17, 2009 Sarner men, parade as masked figures, noisily blowing their buck-horns in the still winter nights, knocking at the doors, and asking for gifts in the form of food and drink. In this custom these men wear hand-made masks and Sarner working-costumes, and present traditionally two songs: The Kloeckel Song, and the Thank-You Song. In these three nights of December visitors can witness this old tradition in the wintry streets of the Sarntal. 


When the Kloeckel-group, the so-called "Kutt", parades with noise from house to house, certain characters may not be absent: The "Zussler" - two men dressed as a married couple, the accordion player,  the "Lottrsackträger" as well as further "Kloecklers" using bells, buck-horns and other loud instruments. The Zussler are meant to represent in this play the dark demons of winter fighting with the bright spirits of spring. The "Zusslmandl" wears in this pageant the old Sarner costume with the red, split sword, which is beaten continuously on the hand to the beat of the Thank-You Song and the constant pursuits by the "Zussweibele". The "Weibele" wears the "Niederfeiertag"-dress of Summer and around her hips a belt with bells, that is heard already from a distance when running. While the "Kutt" presents the Kloeckel song, the couple often enters the homes and accepts served food. During the Thank-You Song the "Zussler" finally come into the village center, and dance out of respect. At the end of such a Kloeckel night, the "Kutt" take off their masks, and all Kloecklers celebrate wildly with song and dance at a farmer's place. Hearty food like dumplings, meat, and sauerkraut are not supposed to be missing. Since fasting was done previously during the time of Advent, the Kloeckler could not eat their earned gifts immediately, but had to be patient until Stephen's day (December 26th) But then the so-called "Kloeckel-Sausage-Brewing" was celebrated happily with dance and music. This tradition is alive up to today in the small mountain village Durnholz in the Northern Italian Sarntal Valley.

About the Author
Lena Seifert writes for TouchingNature.co.uk, a travel destination website with many useful tools to help you plan (or at least dream…) about your next walking holiday or hiking vacation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Italian Dolomites and South Tyrol. Visit them online at http://www.touchingnature.co.uk/italy-walking-south-tyrol.htm

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