Germany> Top Annual Events

Striezelmarkt

The Striezelmarkt in Dresden is an important part of Germany's cultural heritage and a long-standing Christmas tradition. Held through November and December, this fun event draws old and young alike. Germans are famous for their excellent foods, and if you visit the market you will have a unique chance to sample their traditional dishes. Striezelmarkt is firmly connected to German cuisine. First of all, a German cake, the Stroczel, gave the market its name. Today it is called 'stollen'. It is sold in many parts of the world. The authentic cake made in Dresden has a seal, depicting August the Strong, a famous ruler of the city in the past. The cake is shaped like a tunnel entrance, which is not accidental. It is associated with the mining industry of Dresden. At a time tin and silver mining was a major part of the local economy.

The market's existence was first recorded in 1434 during the reign of Friedrich II. This makes it the oldest German market. Its first location was the Altmarkt (Old Market) square in the city, and it took place the Monday before Christmas. It was a small market at first, but grew exponentially over the ages, and today features over 200 stands. It also lasts longer and takes up the greater part of Dresden's downtown area, with its nucleus still at the Altmarkt. It receives millions of visitors each year from all parts of the globe. This market tradition has also been established in the twin town of Dresden - Columbus, located in the state of Ohio, USA.

Stroczel cake is a delicious treat today, but in the 15th century, when it was first mentioned, it tasted rather awful. In 1474 the church recommended that it be eaten during the fasting season, and did not allow butter, sugar and milk to be used as ingredients. It was made only of water, yeast and flour. Finally the von Sachsens, a royal family, convinced the church to allow use of milk and butter.

A tradition to give several huge Stroczel cakes to local rulers was established in the 16th century. It took 18 people to carry the cakes back to the castle. 1730 was a famous year in the history of the market. August the Strong was in power at the time. He ordered Dresden bakers to make a Stroczel, which would feed 24 000 guests. The cake weighed almost 2 tons. After that year the market became an annual event. The Stroczel remains the one and only symbol of the Christman market. Today the market offers entertainment, cultural venues, and many typical features like wooden ornaments, candle pyramids, nutcrackers, and of course foods and excellent mulled wine.

Dresden is close to some rural parts of Germany, which are famous for their local crafts. The region of Erzgebirge, near the border with the Czech Republic, is well-known for its nutcrackers and wooden toys. Ceramic products from Upper Lusatia are also displayed at the market. You can try the delectable Pulsnitz Pfefferkuchen, a pepper cake named after the town of Pulsnitz, which is approximately 50 km away from Dresden. Don't worry; it isn't actually made of pepper. That term was used to designate any foreign spice in the past, and it has stuck. It contains jam and chocolate. The nutcrackers sold at this market are unique. They have red coats and are carved in the shape of soldiers. These nutcrackers were made famous by Tchaikovsky's ballet, Nutcracker Suite.

The stollen and Pfefferkuchen are not the only culinary products unique to the market. There are many others, of which the Pflaumentoffel (plum devil) is a great treat. These are little figures made of prunes.