Music brings communities together during Christmas markets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor Rhynes
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Christmas markets can be found throughout Germany and host various food and beverage vendors while also providing entertainment.

The local market, in downtown Kaiserslautern is no exception. Dec. 6, city members kicked off the festivities with entertainment from American and German choirs and bands.

One can see, smell, taste and simply experience different things no matter what section of the market they happen to be in. Gluwein or glubeer, a hot spiced wine or beer, potato soup and crepes make up popular beverages and foods that can be found during the markets.

"We sponsor the entertainment during the first Thursday of the Kaiserslautern Christmas market," said Michael Gannon, event coordinator from the German American community office. "These events help build relationships within the community because the performance groups are comprised from members of both American and German heritage here come from both nations."

Despite some language and cultural barriers, everyone appreciated the festive music.

"Music is the universal language, it doesn't matter what language you speak," said Paula Parks, member of the Vogelweh gospel choir. "You could hear a tune and ... know the music without ... understanding the words."

Members of the audience could tell that the performance groups had Americans and Germans side by side.

"The whole chorus is made up of more than 40 members of the German and American community," said Patrick Casey, member of the Rhineland-Pfalz international choir. "We try to sing pieces in English as well as German and other languages on occasion. It's a wonderful way to exchange cultures with our counterparts."

The GACO office that sponsored these events is located in downtown Kaiserslautern and is here to help Americans become used to the German customs. For more information about Christmas markets, contact the GACO at www.kaiserslautern.de.