GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — When it comes to celebrations in Germany, colorfully decorated trees are not just for the Christmas season. Roughly four weeks before Easter, which falls on April 17, 2022, handcrafted eggs dangle from the branches of birch trees — symbolizing new life and fertility. Towns of all…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – The holiday season is around the corner, and soon Christmas will follow. While there are many similarities between Christmas celebrations in the United States and Germany, there are some differences and special events that U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria community members should know while celebrating overseas. Adventskranz…
By Sgt. Brea DuBose, Broadcaster with AFN Bavaria GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Across U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, organizations teamed up to deliver holiday cheer by conducting the annual Operation Toy Drop and Delivery event on Wednesday, Dec. 1. Soldiers and their families gathered community-donated toys in boxes at the Bunker…
(Editor’s note: Please be aware that the Christmas markets listed below are still subject to cancelation or modification due to current COVID situations. Be aware of any requirements for proof of vaccination, recovery or negative-test or other COVID-related requirements. Additionally, look for opening and closing times and days as each…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — In the spirit of Halloween, Grafenwoehr Elementary School kindergarteners donned costumes and visited the Grafenwoehr Rathaus and Mayor Edgar Knobloch on Thursday, Oct. 21. Per American tradition, the host nation mayor distributed trick-or-treat candy to the children, and in return, the children surprised him with sweets of…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — After an intensive assessment, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria has decided to not host the traditional German-American Volksfest Grafenwoehr this year due to the current Corona protective measures and restrictions. As always, the health and safety of our staff, families and potential visitors is the garrison’s…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Three Kings’ Day, otherwise known as Dreikoenigstag or Epiphany Day, is observed on Jan. 6 annually. This holiday marks both the end of Christmas and the start of the new year. Since it is recognized as a public holiday in Bavaria, expect stores to be closed.…
By Johanna Lohwasser, USAG Bavaria Public Affairs Editor’s Note: While 2020’s COVID-19 environment changes a few of these traditions, such as St. Nikolaus not making in-person visits and canceled Christmas markets, the spirit of these customs continues on. Germany’s original Christmas gift-bearer St. Nicholas — Sankt Nikolaus in German…