The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is promoted as the largest authentic German Christmas market in the UK and Austria. These markets are believed to have originated in Germany during the 14th century. A recent visit to the Birmingham market raised questions about its authenticity compared to traditional German markets.
On a cold afternoon, two German PhD students, Nina Adler and Till Rampe, noted that the wooden stalls and food offerings closely resemble those they remember from home. They pointed out specific items, such as chocolate-coated marshmallows, which Till mentioned might be from his hometown near Frankfurt. However, Nina remarked that certain features, like the prevalence of beer, diverge from the traditional German experience where mulled wine is preferred. Additionally, the music playing in Birmingham, featuring pop songs, differed from the Christmas carols commonly heard in Germany.
Katharina Karcher, an academic at the University of Birmingham, described the market as “super authentic.” Established in 1997, it is organized by Kurt Stroscher, who also manages the Christmas market in Frankfurt. The market uses wooden stalls and white lights to create an atmospheric environment, with food and drink imports from Germany.
In comparing Christmas markets, it was noted that in Germany, many towns host their markets starting on November 24. The traditional markets in Germany often emphasize handmade goods, mulled wine, and festive music. Meanwhile, Birmingham’s market appears to offer a closer representation of these traditions than other UK markets, which sometimes feature a wider array of international foods.
While the atmosphere at events like Birmingham’s Christmas market is generally regarded as enjoyable, there are regional differences in the authenticity and overall experience of Christmas markets across the UK.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyzdxyjx2eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss