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 4, 2021, handcrafted eggs dangle from the branches of birch trees — symbolizing new life and fertility. Towns of all…
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. …
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Christmas is just days away, and with tighter COVID-19 restrictions imposed until Jan. 10, 2021, most traditional holiday activities are not being observed this year. However, one safe activity that you can always enjoy, either alone or with family, is a Christmas themed movie. Christmas movies…
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…
Article by Sidney Sullivan and Julian Temblador / USAG Bavaria Public Affairs GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — USO Bavaria conducted its fourth annual Thanks for Thanksgiving program on Saturday, Nov. 21. Throughout the morning, 360 bags — filled with everything needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal — were distributed from the…
AAFES News Release GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Holiday shopping will look and feel different in 2020 due to COVID-19. The Grafenwoehr Exchange is committed to ensuring shoppers have a safe, sanitized and secure shopping experience during the Black Friday and Saturday sales events, from Nov. 27 to 28, 2020. …
AAFES News Release DALLAS — Though COVID-19 might put some holiday events on hold, Santa Claus will still be making the rounds virtually with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and JingleRing. JingleRing provides a platform for families to spend time with St. Nick in a contactless,…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — With Halloween just days away and traditional door-to-door festivities cancelled due to COVID-19, one of the alternatives deemed low risk by the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) includes enjoying a Halloween themed movie night with your family. If you are struggling for ideas, listed below are…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program hosted a first-time event of pumpkin carving and painting at the Bavaria Arts and Crafts Center, last Friday on Oct. 16, 2020. Participating Soldiers carved and painted pumpkins, while wearing masks, sanitizing hands and working at properly distanced workstations.…
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Halloween is gaining popularity in Germany, with many local nationals celebrating it in the same fashion as those living in the United States. But before Halloween, Germans long celebrated a similar holiday in April, called Hexennacht. Halloween was introduced to Germany in the 1990s, according to…