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Heidelberg’s Christmas market in Florence Frohe Weihnacht in Santa Croce
[Rocco Barisci]
Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most charming towns, is once again lending its 500 year old Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas market to Florence, this time from November 30th to December 18th, and, with it, the culture and traditions of its people. Florence has many links with Heidelberg, among them the fact that the last of the Medici, Maria Luisa, who bequeathed the Medici treasures to the city, was married to the Elector Palatine and Prince of Heidelberg.The reproduction of a German Christmas market such as this is quite delightful as it is composed of about forty small wooden huts that host the market stalls themselves and the entire event is enlivened by merry-go-rounds - a Bonbon Karussell and an early 20th century style revolving bar - that add a special charm to this unusual atmosphere in the beautiful Florentine square of Santa Croce.
The stalls, open daily from 10am to 8pm, sell Christmas tree decorations, Nativity Scene figurines, hand-made toys and special festive items like Christmas pyramid merry-go-rounds, traditional Bunzlau ceramics, spiced wines, beers, wurst and strudel, as well as German Christmas confectionary like Pfefferkuchen (peppery biscuits), the specia Heidelbergl Lebkuchen (honey biscuits) and Dresdner Stollen (sweet raisin bread filled with marzipan).The event includes various cultural activities, among them a flag throwing demonstration by the “flag throwers from the historic Florentine football” organisation, performances for children, as well of course as a Santa Claus, to complete a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
Visitors can therefore enjoy this delightful setting as they drink down glasses of vin brulé (delicious warm wine with spices) and tuck into other German delicacies, while also listening to story tellers, learning Christmas carols and how to make cakes and sweets.
The German Christmas market opens officially on Wednesday November 30th at 6pm with a welcome cocktail party.
Frohe Weihnacht!
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