Terror Threat

On a flight from Namibia to Germany police have found a suspicious parcel. According to the German federal police (BKA) it was found on board of an LTU/Air Berlin Airbus. 

As a result of first investigations the parcel should have contained batteries which were connected to an exploder and a running clock.

Yesterday Germany increased security at airports and railway stations in light of terrorist attacks being planned for the end of November. Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière said it followed a tip-off from another, unnamed country. 

Germany had information on “sustained efforts” by Islamist extremists to carry out attacks. He said the extra security would remain in place until further notice.

Last month the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Europe, warning of a “high threat” of attacks in countries including France and Germany.

“Kölle Alaaf”

Today is the 11th of November and at 11.11 a.m. Cologne in Germany is going nuts. Every year they start celebrating Carnival at exactly this time. 80.000 viewers are expected.

The Cologne Carnival, the fifth season of the year, is taking place every year. This folk festival from Rhineland starts at the “11^th in 11” at “eleven past eleven” and is rising step by step.

After the quiet Christmas time the different Carnival meetings and proms with performances of the so-called “Büttenreden”, dance performances and bands are starting just after New Year.

It’s Origin

The origin of the Carnival can be found in the spring Festival of the old German tribes. They dressed up very scary to banish the cold winter.  

At “Weiberfastnacht” this year on the 3^rd of March the street carnival is opened. From this day on until “Aschermittwoch” which is on the 9^th of March this “Jecken” are celebrating in Pubs and on the street.

The official highlight of the Carnival in Cologne is the “Rosenmontagszug” on the 7^th of March, basically a huge procession with different colorful decorated wagons. 

The "Rosenmontagszug"

On the top of the wagons people are dancing and throwing lots of different kind of sweets in the cheering crowd screaming “Kölle Alaaf”, which means long lives Cologne and was originally a drinking toast. 

It is not only sweets; it is a huge party - all day long. People from all over the world are drinking, dancing and singing all together.

So if you’re still thinking about what to do in March 2011 – don’t hesitate, disguise yourself as a clown, cat or cowboy and celebrate Carnival in Cologne, Germany.

Oktoberfest? Oktoberfest.

There are all sorts of stereotypes in terms of people from different countries. The French are not wearing any bras and the Germans are famous for wearing white socks in open-toe sandals. 

But actually we all know, there are French woman wearing bras and yes, Germans are not always wearing socks and open-toe sandals.

During the Oktoberfest, Germans are wearing dirndls and lederhosen! And that's what everybody loves the Germans for - the beer and a plunging neckline on a girl.

Hanna Essinger is the sales and events coordinator of the Bavarian Beer house in London and knows a lot about this cultural experience in Germany. Hanna, what exactly is the Oktoberfest?