Christmas Markets Open in Germany Amid Heightened Security
BERLIN – Traditional Christmas markets kicked off across Germany on Monday, drawing crowds to wooden stalls where they savored mulled wine, grilled sausages, potato pancakes, and caramelized apples.
For many Germans, the memories of tragic attacks at Christmas markets are still vivid, leading to increased security measures this year.
In Berlin, the well-known market at the Memorial Church opened with a morning worship service. Additional markets were also set up at Rothes Town Hall, Gendarmenmarkt, and Charlottenburg Palace.
Beyond food and drinks, stalls are stocked with handmade candles, woolen hats, gloves, and twinkling Christmas stars in various colors and shapes. Kids can enjoy rides on a chain merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, and even skate on an ice rink.
These Christmas markets have been a beloved annual tradition in Germany since the Middle Ages and have been successfully introduced in many Western countries.
Security remains a key concern across all markets in the nation.
Last year, a tragic incident in Magdeburg resulted in the deaths of five women and a boy when a car crashed into a Christmas market on December 20. The perpetrator is currently undergoing trial in Magdeburg.
Additionally, on December 19, 2016, a truck was driven through a crowd at the Berlin Christmas market near the Memorial Church, claiming 13 lives and injuring many more. The attacker was killed shortly after in a shootout in Italy.
Recently, many people flocked to a Christmas market in front of Cologne’s iconic double-domed cathedral. A spokesperson for the market, Birgit Grosshus, commented on the positive atmosphere, saying, “We feel that we can give visitors a little respite here during the difficult times we are currently experiencing.” She noted that many smiling faces were visible under the illuminated tents.
However, in response to last year’s incidents, the city has collaborated closely with police to develop enhanced security measures for this year’s market, including additional anti-terror barriers and private security personnel.
