Cinco de mayo: a day of history and celebration in Mexico

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5th May is an important and fun date for Mexicans all over the world

Cinco de Mayo is an annual festivity celebrating the unexpected victory of Mexican forces over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on 5th May, 1862. Although it is an unofficial Federal holiday, it is one that holds plenty of meaning for Mexicans in their home state of Puebla as well as those who reside in the US.

In Mexico, 5th May has become a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and as such people come out in force, dressed in traditional dress and ready to enjoy the food, drink and dance that typically accompany Cinco de Mayo festivities. These are usually limited to the state of Puebla, where the battle originally took place.

North of the border, in the US, Cinco de Mayo has also taken on an importance significance, mostly in areas that have a high population of people with Mexican descendency. In these areas, the day is usually seen as a celebration of the culture of Americans with Mexican ascendency, but is often enjoyed by other Americans regardless of their origin. Music and dancing are an important element of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with baile folklorico and mariachi displays taking place each year in the center of Los Angeles. American schools take the opportunity to educate students about Mexican history, and traditional religious symbols such as the Virgin of Guadalupe are also revered at this time.

Elsewhere in the world, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are limited but certainly newsworthy! Mexican beer is enjoyed on the Mediterranean island of Malta, an air guitar competition takes place each year in the exotic Cayman Islands, and a Canadian sky diving club near Vancouver holds a celebratory skydiving event. It may be one of the smaller festivals in the Latin calendar but it is certainly one worth catching if you can.

Cactus runs Spanish immersion courses in locations across Mexico, and also Spanish evening courses throughout the year in the UK.

Top 5 Spring festivals in Spain

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Fiesta time is upon us! If there’s anywhere that knows how to throw a good party, it’s Spain. These festivals are the perfect pick-me-up after the long winter months, and a great incentive to learn a little Spanish too!

1. Moros y Cristianos, Alicante: 21st-24th April 2015

alicante1

Of the 150 or so locations in Spain to celebrate Moros y Cristianos, there is no beating the celebrations that take place in Alcoy, Alicante. The festival dates back to the 16th century and commemorates the Battle of Alcoy in 1276, when the Christian army of Saint George helped defeat the Moorish troops lead by Al-Azraq. In homage to St George, the people of Alcoy made him their patron saint and vowed to hold a festival in his honour each year…and what a festival it is. With 28 armies in mock battle, intricately-made costumes on show, a spectacular procession and breathtaking firework displays, the streets are full and the atmosphere is electric in this fitting tribute to the battle that expelled the Moors from Spain.

Spanish courses in Alicante

2. La Feria de Abril, Seville: 21st-26th April 2015

sevilla_image

Little may need to be said about what is arguably Spain’s biggest fiesta. The solemnity of Semana Santa the week preceding Easter is cast aside as the vibrant Andalucian city of Seville erupts into the much-anticipated April Fair, a week-long party of flamenco dancing, horse shows, bullfighting and more. This is Spanish fiesta at its best. The only problem is what to see and how to reserve enough energy to stay up all night and join the locals at what they do best – party, party, party!

Spanish courses in Seville

3. Patios de Cordoba: 4th-17th May 2015

patios-cordoba

Exploring a city’s streets is one thing, but knocking on somebody’s door and entering through heavy wooden doors that are kept closed for 50 weeks of the year is a real privilege. And this is what Patios de Cordoba grants you – the chance to enter into the cool shade of private homes and feast your eyes on their patios which have been lovingly adorned throughout the year with all manner of flowers, plants and decorations. Lemon trees, geraniums, roses, carnations, fountains – the list is endless, but the colour and scent won’t fail to impress, and nor will the chance to enter hidden corners of Andalucia away from the rush of modern life.

Spanish courses in Cordoba

4. Horse Fair, Jerez: 10th-17th May 2015

seville_andalucia

You don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy Spain’s best horse fair, the Feria de Caballo in Jerez. Taking place in its famous sherry-producing town, Jerez de la Frontera, could be incentive enough. Or maybe you’ll be won over by the sight of impeccably-dressed locals riding through the streets and ladies dressed in bright flamenco dresses, ready to wow the crowds with their Sevillanas dance displays. But most of all you can’t help but be impressed by the supreme skill and care taken to train and groom the horses that star in this annual show. If there is one performance not to miss, it’s the Dancing Andalusian Horses – a true equestrian ballet, fully choreographed, accompanied by traditional Spanish music and costume. You’ll swear you didn’t know horses could do that type of thing…

Spanish courses in Seville

Spanish courses in Marbella

5. San Isidro, Madrid: 15th May 2015

madrid

If you want to experience the most quintessential of Spanish traditions then head for Madrid during its San Isidro festival. Not only is this the world’s most important bullfighting festival, it is also an excuse for flamboyant Spanish fiesta in the form of music, dancing, fairs and what is known as a romeria, or pilgrimage, to the shrine of Madrid’s patron saint, San Isidro. Las Ventas bullring plays host to the much-anticipated bullfights, concerts are held in the beautiful Plaza Mayor to concerts, and Vistillas Park is transformed into an open-air dance hall. Book tickets to specific events in advance, or just turn up and soak up the exhilarating atmosphere.

Spanish courses in Madrid

Cactus offers Spanish courses in many locations across Spain as well in countries throughout Central and South America.

10 things you might not know about Chinese New Year

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Wherever you are in the world, happy Chinese New Year!

1. The date of Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and falls sometime in January or February each year. It falls on 19th February 2015 and celebrates the Year of the Goat (or Ram). 2016 will celebrate the Year of the Monkey.

2. Years in the Chinese calander are named after 12 different animals – the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is associated with a particular element – water, wood, fire or metal – and particular characteristics are associated with each animal and the people born during the year of that animal. People born in the Year of the Goat are characteristically kind, calm, thoughtful and honest.

3. You can wish someone happy new year in Chinese by saying xīnnián kuàilè (new year happiness!) or xīnnián hǎo (new year goodness!).

4. Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month and the celebrations continue for two weeks.

5. As well as being celebrated in China and Taiwan, it is also marked among Overseas Chinese communities, and in Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam and Japan.

6. Chinese New Year is a time when people return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families, so is not a good time to travel in places with large Chinese populations as everybody seems to be on the move.

7. During the festivities doors and windows are decorated with phrases related to happiness, wealth and longevity written or printed on red paper.

8. Before Chinese New Year people clean their houses thoroughly, which is believed to sweep away any bad luck. They also buy new clothes and shoes, and get their hair cut, all of which symbolise a fresh start.

9. On New Year’s Eve families have a big meal together. This may include fish, dim sum, dumplings and dessert.

10. On the first day of the New Year many people, especially Buddhists, abstain from eating meat, a practice which is thought to ensure a long life. The older members of the family present children and younger members with red envelopes of money, and people visit their elderly relatives.

Evening courses in Chinese

Cactus offers evening courses in Chinese Cantonese in London; next start dates are April and July 2015.

Courses are also available in Chinese Mandarin in London and across the UK; next start dates are April and July 2015.

Chinese courses in China

Cactus offers courses in Chinese Mandarin in China (Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai). Start dates are year-round.

 

Fun in the snow…Québec Winter Carnival!

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To experience a true winter wonderland there is no better place than Québec in February…perfect for the young and the young at heart!

It may be cold in Canada, but they sure know how to use the weather to their advantage. For two weeks each year, the snow and ice so familiar of a Canadian winter transform Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a magical winter wonderland, as visitors and locals wrap up to celebrate the Québec Winter Carnival.

quebec_city_winter

Celebrated in 2015 between January 30th and February 15th, the Québec City Winter Festival is the largest winter carnival in the world. Anyone who missed out on a white Christmas or who just can’t get enough of the white stuff will not be disappointed, for you can’t help but get swept up, rosy-cheeked, in the joie de vivre of this huge outdoor party.

Perhaps the most important feature of the festival is the shimmering Bonhomme Ice Palace, built from some 5,000 blocks of ice, and home to a maze of towers and exhibits as well as a magnificent son et lumiere (light and sound) show. Bonhomme himself is the ubiquitous carnival mascot, a large smiling snowman with a red stocking cap who will welcome you in both French and English (as is common practice in Québec) and pop up cheerily at various points throughout your stay.

Also unmissable during this 2-week period are the colourful night parades, when some half a million spectators brave the sub-zero temperatures to line the streets and watch marching bands, floats and clowns pass by. Pile on the layers and huddle within the crowds and it will be an unforgettable few hours.

If however you’d rather be snuggled up in your ice hotel and wrapped in a bearskin by night – which is entirely possible, given that they build a new Ice Hotel each year for the very purpose – there are plenty of activities to enjoy by day. You may not rush to join in the snow bath, which is exactly as it sounds except you wear nothing more than a swimsuit, but you should certainly catch the legendary canoe race on the St Lawrence River. Not to be thwarted if the water is frozen, teams may resort to pulling their wooden canoes across the ice rather than through the water, and the race will inevitably be completed to much merriment and cheering.

It goes without saying than anyone with kids cannot go wrong by bringing them to Québec during the festival. There are countless activities to keep the little ones entertained, including a huge Children’s Village at The Plains of Abraham, former site of the battle in which the British fought the French and conquered Canada. With intricate snow sculptures lining the entrance, this wonderful playground for families offers dogsled and sleigh rides, snow slides and tunnels, snowmobiling, aerial trampolining, an obstacle course, an ice climbing wall, and more.

Other activities going on throughout the festival, for adults and children alike, include snow rafting, the opportunity to spend the night in a tepee or to learn ice fishing, and sampling of traditional Canadian food (the chocolate crepes always go down well).

The list of entertainment goes on, but needless to say this is one way to enjoy all that winter has to offer and see this usually dark and cold time of year in a completely different light. Take the kids or just go and play in the snow yourself – just remember to pack the woollies and you may find that you don’t really notice the cold too much after all.

Cactus offers French courses in Quebec City and also in Montreal.

What does Ollie Phillips want for Christmas?

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With letters to Santa on their way to the North Pole, we asked our much-loved Cactus Ambassador Ollie Phillips to tell us 5 things he would like for Christmas…

1. Salsa Lessons

“My twinkle toes have always been prone to a strut on the dance floor, but I think now is the time to inject a tad more rhythm into them so that I can keep up with all those Latin dancers out there!”

Latino Dancers. Painting of Merenge or Salsa Dancing Couple

2. To Learn Spanish

“Having learnt French and experienced the benefits – particularly culturally – in doing so, I am now desperate to get a grasp of the world’s most spoken language. Spanish culture excites me and the only way to really immerse yourself in it is to be able to speak the language.”

spanish_food

3. Hair Transplant

“It’s swiftly becoming apparent that the ‘monk’ style haircut that I have been sporting for the last few years is now going out of fashion! In order for me to keep up with the times and grow a mohawk I feel that my hair follicles are going to need some help!!!”

ollie_phillips2

4. Polar Bear-Proof Pants!

“With my up-and-coming trek to the North Pole for the charity Wooden Spoon, I feel that a pair of iron-rod pants will prove to be essential! With the threat of polar bears very real, I could do with these bad boys to protect the crown jewels!!”

Polar bear cub of the year. Canadian Arctic

5. Cocktail-Making Lessons

“My ambitions to go to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games are still very much apparent and I feel that in order to celebrate winning an Olympic Gold Medal, I am going to need to know how to make the Brazilian classic caipirinha in order for the team to have a fitting end to the whole experience!”

mojito cocktail and fresh ingredients in a tropical landscape

We’re sure Cactus might be able to help make some of Ollie’s wishes come true – we’re thinking a Spanish and Salsa course in Spain, Cuba, Guatemala or Colombia! – and would like to wish him and all our customers a very happy Christmas!

Find out more about Ollie Phillips’ inspiring role as Cactus Ambassador.

7 New Year’s Eve traditions to experience before you die

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Out with the old and in with the new – from sending candles out to sea to wearing yellow underwear and eating 12 grapes at midnight, here’s why you should celebrate new year away from home this year.

1. Germany

Marzipan pig with cloverleaf and mushroom on white

Fireworks at midnight to oust bad spirits, resolutions (gute Vorsätze) written on paper and then burned to make them come true, the exchange of marzipan pigs (Glücksschwein) to bring good luck for the new year…German traditions at New Year are touching, wistful and fun.

2. Italy

zampone

Expect to eat zampone, or stuffed pig’s trotter, if you’re celebrating new year in Italy. In true Italian style, the bigger the gathering the better – this is a time for friends, family, celebrations and lots of prosecco.

3. Scotland

hogmanay

One of the best-known New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, at Hogmanay you’ll be treated to concerts, processions, fireworks and people bursting with pride singing Auld Lang Syne.

Beware of ‘first footing’! If you’re the first person to visit a house after midnight, you must take coal, whisky, salt or shortbread to bring good luck. In preparation for the chimes at midnight it’s also customary to clean your house, take out the ashes from the fire and clear your debts.

4. Brazil

copacabana

For all the partying that has made Brazil so famous – and there’ll be plenty of this at ‘Reveillon’, or new year – there is one heart-warming tradition. Crowds gather along Brazil’s beaches, dressed all in white, to celebrate the Festa de Iemanja, the Goddess of Water, and little boats are sent out to sea carrying flowers, candles, rice and gifts to ensure a good year to follow.

5. Spain

spanish_new_year_grapes_small

As you would expect in Spain, celebrations for Noche Vieja, or New Year’s Eve, continue all the way through to the morning! Wherever you are, welcome in the near year by eating 12 lucky grapes at midnight, one with each chime of the clock. Eat them all and good luck will come your way the following year.

6. Greece

vasilopita

Get rich eating cake? You might just do so in Greece. Amongst the many special dishes that are prepared at New Year, the Vassilopitta, or St Basil’s cake, has a silver or gold coin buried within. Bite with caution.

7. Peru

Sports yellow female panties on white background

In a country known for its mysticism and spirituality, new clothes are perhaps not the first thing you would think of at new year. Yet don your best pair of yellow undies and you will be granted happiness and luck for the coming year. Alternatively, red underwear will bring you love and green underwear will bring you money. Easy…and no-one will ever know!

Wherever you are celebrating, a very happy new year from us all at Cactus.

If you have experienced New Year celebrations in other countries across the globe, please leave your comments below!

December 5th: what is Nikolaus and where is it celebrated?

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In many countries across central and eastern Europe, December 5th is a day when children prepare for a special visitor – Saint Nikolaus.

Origins

The image of Saint Nikolaus is similar to that of Father Christmas, with robes and a long white beard, although the origins of the figure are different.

According to popular belief, Nikolaus lived in the 4th century in what is now Turkey and held the title of Bishop of Myra. There are lots of miracles are associated with him – he is said to have been a very kind man who gave anonymous gifts to the poor.

Customs

On the eve of Sankt Nikolaus’ Day, people clean their houses, and children polish special boots known as ‘Nikolaus-Stiefel’. They leave them outside along with letters for Nikolaus, as well as carrots or hay for his horse. The children also recite poems and sing songs for Nikolaus and make presents for him. The following morning the shoes and boots will be filled with sweets, nuts and fruit, though if the children haven’t been good, they may get the more disappointing offerings of potatoes, twigs or coal!

Although he has a different name in each country, Nikolaus is usually accompanied by a slightly ‘unsavoury’ helper! In Switzerland, he is known as Schmutzli, and is said to threaten to take naughty children away to the dark forest in his sack. In Germany, this helper is called Knecht Ruprecht, and in Holland he’s known as Zwarte Peter.

Recollections

Former Marketing Manager at Cactus, Tinka Carrick, recalls her experiences of Nikolaus whilst growing up in the city of Dortmund.

“I normally got slippers, so if I forgot to put my shoes out, I’d find slippers outside filled with sweets. My mum as a kid once put her horse riding boots out, as they were bigger than normal ones, and ended up with boots full of potatoes in punishment for her gluttony!”

She remembers being terrified of Knecht Ruprecht, and on one occasion being so scared that she refused to come out from behind the sofa for the whole evening in case she was put in his sack and taken away!

Interns at Cactus Anne Blank and Susann Maring also remember some families ‘hiring’ a Nikolaus to come to the house and surprise the children, and primary school events with someone dressed as Nikolaus too. The celebrations were generally family-orientated, and didn’t involve big parties or community events, but Nikolaus was certainly something that was greatly anticipated, and that put everyone in the mood for Christmas.

German courses in December

The whole month of December is a great time to take a German course in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Not only can you experience the tradition of Nikolaus (and perhaps even get a boot full of sweets!) but you can also get in the mood for Christmas with the fabulous Christmas markets and all their festive glory. Visit the Cactus Language site for full course listings, to test your language level, or to make a course booking or enquiry.

French Christmas carols: chants de Noël

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Bring some festive fun into your home this Christmas with these traditional Christmas carols…en français!

French Christmas carols, or Chants de Noël, are popular across France where Christmas is an important holiday. The French typically celebrate en famille, generations of the same family gathering for big festive meals and attending religious services at Church. For children it is an exciting time – children’s Christmas songs are sung and played at home, at school and in shops across the country in the run up to 25th December.

Although the French have their own carols, they do translate carols from other countries of the world. Below are lyrics to Silent Night, O Christmas Tree and much-loved Jingle Bells…

If there’s one fun way to learn a language and pick up new vocabulary, this is it – and no dictionary in sight!

Douce nuit (Silent Night)

Douce nuit, sainte nuit!

Dans les cieux! L’astre luit.

Le mystère annoncé s’accomplit.

Cet enfant sur la paille endormit,

C’est l’amour infini,

C’est l’amour infini!

Sweet night, holy night!

In the heavens the star shines.

The foretold mystery comes true.

This child sleeping on the hay,

Is infinite love,

Is infinite love!

Christmas_Trees

Mon beau sapin (O Christmas tree)

Mon beau sapin,

Roi des forêts,

Que j’aime ta verdure.

Quand vient l’hiver

Bois et guérets

Sont dépouillés

De leurs attraits.

Mon beau sapin,

Roi des forêts,

Que j’aime ta parure.

My beautiful tree,

King of the forests,

How I love your greenness.

When winter come

Woods and tillages

Are stripped

Of their attractions.

My beautiful tree,

King of the forests,

How I love your finery.

Vive le vent (Jingle Bells)

Vive le vent

Vive le vent

Vive le vent d’hiver

Qui s’en va sifflant soufflant

Dans les grands sapins verts

Oh!

Vive le temps

Vive le temps

Vive le temps d’hiver

Boule de neige et jour de l’an

Et bonne année grand-mère

Joyeux joyeux Noël

Aux mille bougies

Qu’enchantent vers le ciel

Les cloches de la nuit.

Oh!

Vive le temps

Vive le temps

Vive le temps d’hiver

Qui rapporte aux vieux enfants

Leurs souvenirs d’hier.

Sur le long chemin

Tout blanc de neige blanche

Un vieux monsieur s’avance

Avec sa canne dans la main

Et tout là haut le vent

Qui siffle dans les branches

Lui souffle la romance

Qu’il chantait petit enfant

Oh!

Experience the magic of Christmas in Cusco

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The ancient Inca capital of Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes, provides a magical setting for traditional Christmas celebrations, Nativity scenes and a sweet rum punch…

South America may not be the first place you think of for traditional Christmas celebrations, but anyone who has visited the mystical city of Cusco during December will know that it doesn’t get much more magical than this.

High up in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is a hive of activity in the run-up to Christmas, as hundreds of artisans and campesinos (rural people) flock to the Inca capital for traditional celebrations and the Santuranticuy market on December 24th. One of the largest arts and crafts fairs in all of Peru, the market takes place in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square, and literally means ‘Saints for sale’, going back to the days of the Spanish conquest: Christmas figurines, Nativity scenes and hand-made ceramic objects are laid out on blankets, and large biblical animals are lit up with fairy lights, adding a festive glow to all the activity. The Andean version of Baby Jesus, el Niño Manuelito, is ubiquitous.

Locals wear traditional Peruvian dress and women carry their little ones on their backs as they would any other time of year. They might not have much money but the atmosphere is colorful and joyous. Chocolotadas are an important part of the gathering, whereby churches, patrons and businesses give hot chocolate, bread and toys to the poor. Street vendors also run a brisk trade selling ponche, a traditional hot, sweet rum punch that takes away the chill of the mountain night air.

Finally, at midnight, hundreds are fireworks are lit and campesinos, families and visitors embrace to celebrate the arrival of Christmas.

For all the activity of Christmas Eve, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas is once again clear on Christmas morning, as this is an important religious holiday and, as in many countries worldwide, a time to be with the family. Houses are decorated with intricately carved retablos, or Nativity scenes, and the Christmas feast is enjoyed by all: meat, usually turkey, served with apple sauce dressing, or pork or lamb. All decorations are kept up until the Bajada de Reyes on January 6th, the arrival of the three wise men.

If you are a visitor to Cusco during this time, you may be welcomed by the locals into their houses to enjoy traditional Christmas festivities with them and their families. Being inherently warm and hospitable, strangers are often welcomed into a Peruvian’s home and, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in this situation, you will experience Christmas as you never knew it before.

To immerse yourself in the language and culture and experience a magical Cusqueñan Christmas, simply book a Spanish course with homestay accommodation. This will be one Christmas you’ll never forget!

Top 5 Christmas markets in Germany and Austria

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Christmas markets have been taking place in Europe for centuries, and still attract thousands of visitors each year

They are particularly magical in Germany and Austria and are one of the few festivities surrounding Christmas that remain relatively traditional. In an age where some people associate the start of the Christmas period with the first appearance of the festive John Lewis ad on tv, it’s fantastic that the essence of European Christmas markets remains. The majority of stalls continue to sell only food and drink, or traditional arts and crafts such as wooden Christmas decorations and hand-made toys.

There are markets in many towns and cities across Europe, but some of the best known and most visited include those in Cologne, Munich, Vienna, Dresden and Heidelberg. Cactus offers German courses in many of these cities, and taking a course at this time of year will not only enable you to enjoy the festivities first hand, it will also give you a fantastic insight into German culture and tradition.

1. Cologne Christmas Market

Every year, the city centre of Cologne is transformed into a festive wonderland when the seven Christmas markets in this lively city open for visitors. Thousands of people from around the world descend to enjoy the music, arts, food and the traditional gifts sold in the specially designed huts (or “Buden”). The largest and popular of these is the market ‘Am Dom’, located on the square in front of the famous cathedral, reputedly the most visited monument in Germany.

Besides shopping at the Christmas markets, the city also offers an extensive programme of exhibitions, shows and concerts, full details of which can be found at on this Cologne website.

Cologne Christmas Market Dates: 24 November – 23 December 2014

2. Munich Christmas Market

The main component of the Christmas market in Munich, Bavaria’s capital city, is held at the famous Marienplatz, in the heart of the old town. There are a number of smaller markets dotted around the city too, including one in the English Gardens and a medieval Christmas market where costumed candle makers, glass blowers and blacksmiths show off their skills.

Visitors can also experience the lively atmosphere of the Tollwood Winter Festival, located on the Oktoberfest grounds at Theresienwiese. Alongside the stalls offering traditional goods and delicious local foods is an extensive array of live shows and performances to enjoy.

The market begins on the Friday before the first Advent, when over 140 stands are set up, and thousands gather in the square to watch the giant Christmas tree illuminated for the first time.

Munich Christmas Markets Dates: 27 November – 24 December 2014

3. Vienna Christmas Market

The ‘Christkindlmarkt’ that is held on the square in front of the Vienna’s beautiful Town Hall is the city’s best-known Christmas market, although there are plenty more dotted around the Austrian capital. It is one of the most visited in Europe, and is also one of the oldest, dating back over seven hundred years. It also starts early, so if you want to enjoy some festive cheer early on in the season, and beat the crowds, Vienna is the place to go!

Another of the highlights at this time of year is the market held in front of the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, which you can peruse with the accompaniment of traditional carol singing.

Vienna Christmas Markets Dates: 21 November – 23 December 2014

4. Heidelberg Christmas Market

Heidelberg’s Christmas market extends over five of the city’s main squares. Heidelberg has got to be one of the most romantic and fairytale-esque cities in Germany, which also adds to its appeal at this time of year. Browsing the hundreds of stalls, you’ll enjoy lovely views of the castle and the old town, with its attractive decorations and ancient cobbled streets. As with many of the places in Germany at this time of year, you may even get a dusting of snow to enhance the view!

A recent attraction at the Heidelberg Christmas market is also the “Christmas on Ice” situated on Karlsplatz.

Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates: 24 November – 22 December 2014

5. Dresden Christmas Market

Dresden’s Christmas Market holds the accolade of being the oldest in Germany, and it is said to date back to the 15th century. The market is known locally as the ‘Striezelmarkt’, and takes its name from the ‘Striezel’ or Stollen, a sweet fruitcake that is the city’s most famous culinary creation.

The annual highlight of the Christmas market is the Stollen Festival on the second Sunday during advent season, when a giant Stollen cake is carried to the market and ceremonially sliced and distributed among onlookers. This ritual is said to date back to the 16th century, when the local Stollen bakers would present cakes to the local prince, carrying them ceremoniously through the town to the castle, where the prince would cut them and hand out pieces to the poor.

There are many other markets to be found around the city, including some in the stable yards at Residenzschloss and others in the former village centre of Loschwitz, each of them with their own attractions.

Dresden Christmas Market Dates: 27 November – 24 December 2014

More about German courses in Germany and Austria.