One of the more cheerful things about the Hanseatic City of Bremen, despite its winter glum weather, is the annual Christmas Market. The entirety of the city centre is donned with bright yellow Christmas lights and the sweet, warm smell of crepes, mulled wine, and Schmalzkuchen (a local treat) wafts through the cold winter air. The Christmas Market is a wonderful way to relax and spend an evening with friends, get into the festive spirit and also get some shopping done, especially for little trinkets. What does this colourful occasion mean to the students at Jacobs? We asked a group of students for their take on the tradition.
Nathalie Herzog-Petropaki (Greece/Switzerland), Renja Rutte (Germany) and Isabella Ramirez de Arellano (USA)
(Left to Right) Renja, Emilia, Nathalie and Isabella at the Bremen Christmas Market
Did you go to the Christmas Market?
All: Yes!
Did you enjoy it? What is something you particularly like about the Christmas Market?
Nathalie: Yes, I loved it! It’s such a nice tradition. There’s so many different things to see, buy and taste. The Glühwein and the Feuerzangenbole are the best!
Renja: I enjoy the atmosphere and the Schmalzkuchen.
Bella: I just enjoyed the company I was with. The variety in the stalls is also remarkable.
What do you think of the Christmas Market in Bremen?
Nathalie: I never thought the Christmas Market in Bremen would be that big!
Renja: I think it’s really nice, you get to enjoy it while also walking by the old houses and the Bremer Stadtmusikanten.
Bella: I was surprised to see how large the market is, considering the size of Bremen. It’s a nice contrast to how Christmas is celebrated in the US, where we don’t have such pretty Christmas markets
Shriya Poudel (Nepal)
The Medieval Christmas Market in Bremen Schlachte
Did you go to the Christmas Market?
Yes of course!
Did you enjoy it? What is something you particularly like about the Christmas Market?
I like the medieval Christmas market the most. It seems culturally significant.
What do you think of the Christmas Market in Bremen?
I think the Christmas Market happens at the right time – just when we need to escape from the stress of finals. It’s a great way to get to know the culture of Bremen and meet new people.
Safell Sigueñas (Peru)
Schmalzkuchen, a local delicacy
Did you go to the Christmas Market?
Yes!
Did you enjoy it? What is something you particularly like about the Christmas Market?
Yes! It is always so nice to visit. My favourite thing is the Glühwein and the Schmalzkuchen. But I also like the variety of presents you can find. From handmade jewellery and crafts to big Christmas ornaments, you have a large variety to choose from for presents for family and friends.
What do you think of the Christmas Market in Bremen?
I think it’s beautiful and it adds a nice touch to the city with all the lights and decorations. It’s a market that you look forward to go to every year and multiple times during the month because it is so pretty and welcoming.
BY USHASHI BASU (INDIA) | CLASS OF 2020. Interviews by Emilia Ergin (GErmany) | Class of 2021
