German Canadian Blogs

Great beer, food and leafy surroundings Summer is here and Germany's beer gardens are open for business! This 200-year-old Bavarian tradition has now spread to all parts of Germany. "According to the latest Quality Monitor survey of the German tourism industry, 60 per cent of international visitors come to Germany for the country's unique flair and atmosphere, and 93 per cent come for the traditional German food and drink", notes Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). Beer gardens have a long tradition in Germany Beer gardens are an important part of the Germany experience for holidaymakers. The roots of the beer garden tradition are to be found in Munich and the surrounding region. Around 200 years ago, breweries were only allowed to brew in the winter months for fire safety reasons. In order to keep the beer in drinkable condition until the summer, it had...

Easter Traditions Make for a Lively March and Early April The Easter celebrations are among the oldest, most traditional and unique celebrations in Germany. A myriad of differing regional traditions, Easter markets and special celebrations start weeks before the four day Easter weekend from April 5 to April 9, 2012. Many of the North American Easter traditions, including egg decorating, Easter trees and Easter egg game and of course the chocolate Easter bunny were brought to North America by German immigrants. In preparation for Easter, towns decorate their fountains and trees with eggs and wind crepe paper around the branches. On the Easter Eve bonfires are lit celebrating the new and getting rid of the old. Easter markets throughout the country exhibit Easter eggs and spring-themed local arts and crafts in surroundings from historic cities, castles to landscape parks. The markets last either a few weeks or a weekend and are...