“Silvester” is what Germans call New Year’s Eve and it is celebrated with gusto!
Firstly, German curiously love the English short-film “Dinner for One.” It’s the same procedure every year as this film, unknown to Americans, is shown on virtually all TV channels.
After the show, it would typical to enjoy “Karpfen Blau” – carp (fish) prepared so as to appear almost lifelike/raw – head intact, eye staring up at you..pleading you to not eat him…It’s actually pretty good, but most Amis can’t get past the look.
A flaming “Feuerzangenbowle” is also a tradition. This Rum punch laced with burning sugar is a festive addition, based on the popular 1944 film.
Ingo, Vonia & Hermann
The last Silvester I celebrated in Germany was in Füssen. A live band playing all those German party favorites, plus Glühwein, and crazy fireworks was an unforgettable experience. In the land of order and regulation, it was astonishing that any Tom, Dick or Hans could light off some major fireworks – often with the debris falling on your head and, yes, a wayward rocket here and there. All in orderly Germany – astonishing!
The name of the party in Füssen was the “Rutschparty.” Rutsch = Slide. The expression for wishing someone a “Happy New Year” is really cool: “Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr” – Good slide into the New Year. Yeah, I’ve had nights like that…You?
Well, BayernTrips Friends – Vielen Dank für Eure Freundschaft. Knowing you and celebrating so many good times together has enriched my life. I can’t wait to see you again in 2010. Einen Guten Rutsch wünsch’ ich Euch!
- Scott Stephens
I couldn’t have said it better – you’ve enriched our lives as well. Wir wünschen dich einen guten Rutsch auch! Thanks for all that you do to promote German-American relations and to share German culture with us.