The ‘Verein der Bayern in Berlin’ (Association of Bavarians in Berlin) recently hosted its annual traditional Christmas celebration at its Alpine hut, attracting around 200 attendees. The evening was filled with festive chamber music performed by folk musicians from Berlin and Brandenburg, setting a warm and traditional atmosphere.
Alpine Sounds and Ecumenical Unity
The event commenced with alpine melodies from the association’s Alphorn trio, featuring Ingrid and Peter Noack. The chairman extended a heartfelt welcome to all guests, with a special acknowledgment to the clergy of both denominations: Catholic Parish Vicar Prof. Dr. Kurt Anglet and Protestant theologian Andreas Penski. Both individuals are closely associated with the Bavarian club and actively support the ecumenical cooperation within the association.
A Look Back and Musical Highlights
Following a review of the past year’s activities, guests participated in communal singing of traditional Christmas carols, accompanied by the association’s Styrian musicians, Monika and Felix Lämmel, along with Waltraud Lehman on the zither. Before the goose leg buffet was served, the Hackbrett Consort Kleinmachnow, comprising Irmgart Mann, Denise Pinta, Ines von Nolting, and the association’s chairman, provided additional Advent music. A particular highlight of the evening was the performance by the Kleinmachnow Dreigesang, featuring Irmgart Mann, Andrea Reinfeld, Johanna Einspanier, and Waltraud Kruck.
A sincere ‘Vergelt’s Gott’ (Thank you) was extended to the hut team behind the bar: Patricia, Matthias, Detlef, and Andreas, for their dedicated service. The celebration was described as a successful Bavarian Christmas party in the Alpine hut of the Bavarians in Berlin, effectively fostering Bavarian traditions in the federal capital.
Anticipation for the 2026 Anniversary Year
The Bavarians in Berlin are now eagerly anticipating their upcoming anniversary year in 2026. This marks the 150th founding anniversary of the association, an occasion planned for a grand celebration. All friends of Bavarian customs are cordially invited to participate in advance. The anniversary year will kick off on January 3, 2026, at the Alpine hut, with the main festivities scheduled from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the association’s Bayernplatz. Further details will be available on the association’s website.
The board of the association extends its wishes for a blessed Christmas and a successful New Year 2026 to all members and friends. A special thank you is also sent to Bavaria, to Toni Hötzelsperger of the Bavarian Trachtenverband, for the friendly cooperation in preserving traditional customs in Berlin, especially in anticipation of the upcoming International Green Week 2026. His Samerberger Nachrichten serves as the central medium for the public relations of the ‘Verein der Bayern in Berlin’. The festive evening concluded with a joint rendition of the devotional yodel and “Es wird scho glei Dumpa” (It’s getting dark soon).
