http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 18:08:26 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 18:08:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/wave-gothic-festival-draws-thousands-to-leipzig-a-900987.html#ref=rss Every Pentecostal weekend, when the Wave Gothic Festival, a legendary annual gathering for "dark" music and arts, kicks off in the eastern German city of Leipzig, the world is reminded that nobody does goth quite like the Germans. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:57:32 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/wave-gothic-festival-draws-thousands-to-leipzig-a-900987.html Every Pentecostal weekend, when the Wave Gothic Festival, a legendary annual gathering for "dark" music and arts, kicks off in the eastern German city of Leipzig, the world is reminded that nobody does goth quite like the Germans. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/fathers-day-revellers-interrupted-by-lightning-strike-in-germany-a-898964.html#ref=rss Father's Day in Germany is traditionally an occasion for massive alcohol intake and a bit of quality time with the guys. One such gathering on Thursday, however, was disrupted by a lightning strike, sending dozens of revellers to the hospital. Thu, 09 May 2013 17:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/fathers-day-revellers-interrupted-by-lightning-strike-in-germany-a-898964.html Father's Day in Germany is traditionally an occasion for massive alcohol intake and a bit of quality time with the guys. One such gathering on Thursday, however, was disrupted by a lightning strike, sending dozens of revellers to the hospital.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/swiss-alpine-tradition-of-silvesterclaus-brightens-dark-winter-a-875214.html#ref=rss When the sound of singing men echoes through the Alpine valley and the trees appear to have legs, it's time to celebrate the New Year again in the Swiss region of Appenzell. The mountain tradition hearkens back to medieval times, and brightens up the dark winter with spectacular costume and song. Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:57:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/swiss-alpine-tradition-of-silvesterclaus-brightens-dark-winter-a-875214.html When the sound of singing men echoes through the Alpine valley and the trees appear to have legs, it's time to celebrate the New Year again in the Swiss region of Appenzell. The mountain tradition hearkens back to medieval times, and brightens up the dark winter with spectacular costume and song.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/krampus-and-company-winter-demons-come-out-for-christmas-in-the-alps-a-863593.html#ref=rss Halloween spooks are for wimps compared to the grisly Christmastime traditions of Europe's Alps, where demonic creatures come out to punish naughty children or to drive winter away each year. A gorgeous new photography book explores the many guises of these wild monsters, whose traditional rumpus harkens back to pagan rites. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/krampus-and-company-winter-demons-come-out-for-christmas-in-the-alps-a-863593.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-city-hosts-floating-pumpkin-race-a-856273.html#ref=rss One of Germany's most unusual aquatic sports competitions features dozens of paddlers in non-conventional vessels. Vying for gourd glory, they splash their way to the finish line in enormous pumpkins. The Ludwigsburg Palace regatta has become one of the country's most photogenic sporting events. Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:51:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-city-hosts-floating-pumpkin-race-a-856273.html One of Germany's most unusual aquatic sports competitions features dozens of paddlers in non-conventional vessels. Vying for gourd glory, they splash their way to the finish line in enormous pumpkins. The Ludwigsburg Palace regatta has become one of the country's most photogenic sporting events.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/spanish-city-of-bilbao-holds-ugly-face-competition-a-851965.html#ref=rss Times are tough in Spain, and people have little to smile about these days. But the annual battle of ugly faces in the Basque city of Bilbao proves that the country has lost none of its sense of humor. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:02:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/spanish-city-of-bilbao-holds-ugly-face-competition-a-851965.html Times are tough in Spain, and people have little to smile about these days. But the annual battle of ugly faces in the Basque city of Bilbao proves that the country has lost none of its sense of humor. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/father-s-day-in-germany-is-one-big-booze-fest-a-833802.html#ref=rss Most people consider Oktoberfest to be the biggest drinking celebration in Germany. Often overlooked are the country's Father's Day celebrations, which involve oddly dressed men pulling wagons filled with beer into parks and drinking until they pass out. Fri, 18 May 2012 12:29:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/father-s-day-in-germany-is-one-big-booze-fest-a-833802.html Most people consider Oktoberfest to be the biggest drinking celebration in Germany. Often overlooked are the country's Father's Day celebrations, which involve oddly dressed men pulling wagons filled with beer into parks and drinking until they pass out.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/blazing-art-valencia-burns-giant-sculptures-at-annual-fallas-festival-a-684100.html#ref=rss The annual Fallas festival is taking place this week in Valencia on the Spanish coast. During the street parties and parades, giant sculptures are exhibited, judged in a competition and then ceremoniously burnt. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:07:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/blazing-art-valencia-burns-giant-sculptures-at-annual-fallas-festival-a-684100.html The annual Fallas festival is taking place this week in Valencia on the Spanish coast. During the street parties and parades, giant sculptures are exhibited, judged in a competition and then ceremoniously burnt.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/bavaria-s-chinese-carnival-long-live-the-emperor-of-dietfurt-a-677961.html#ref=rss The traditional Carnival parades held around Germany are famous for strange costumes and wild parties. But the small town of Dietfurt in Bavaria is becoming known for something a little more odd: During the festive season, the whole town turns Chinese. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/bavaria-s-chinese-carnival-long-live-the-emperor-of-dietfurt-a-677961.html The traditional Carnival parades held around Germany are famous for strange costumes and wild parties. But the small town of Dietfurt in Bavaria is becoming known for something a little more odd: During the festive season, the whole town turns Chinese.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-celebrates-end-of-christmas-epiphany-s-kings-witches-and-goblins-a-670411.html#ref=rss The Christmas season only really ends in Europe on Jan. 6. Traditions across the continent vary wildly -- from processions of kings and gift-bearing witches to brave souls diving into icy waters. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-celebrates-end-of-christmas-epiphany-s-kings-witches-and-goblins-a-670411.html The Christmas season only really ends in Europe on Jan. 6. Traditions across the continent vary wildly -- from processions of kings and gift-bearing witches to brave souls diving into icy waters.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/germany-s-weirdest-festivals-summer-fun-teutonic-style-a-642473.html#ref=rss Duck races, a beard championship and the Mud Olympics: Germany hosts a wealth of quirky festivals and competitions each year. While some tournaments are a question of brute force, others are all about looking as silly as possible. SPIEGEL ONLINE provides an overview of Germany's strangest competitions. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:39:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/germany-s-weirdest-festivals-summer-fun-teutonic-style-a-642473.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/running-with-the-bulls-pamplona-s-fearsome-festival-gets-underway-a-634833.html#ref=rss Spain is renowned for its bull fights and Pamplona's San Fermin Festival capitalizes on this tradition. With nine days and nights of bull runs, it's not surprising that there have been some nasty injuries in the festival's history. There was a collective sigh of relief then as proceedings got off to a relatively a safe start this year. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:30:55 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/running-with-the-bulls-pamplona-s-fearsome-festival-gets-underway-a-634833.html Spain is renowned for its bull fights and Pamplona's San Fermin Festival capitalizes on this tradition. With nine days and nights of bull runs, it's not surprising that there have been some nasty injuries in the festival's history. There was a collective sigh of relief then as proceedings got off to a relatively a safe start this year.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/beware-the-kallikantzaroi-greek-goblins-run-riot-over-christmas-a-597656.html#ref=rss Who says Santa Claus is the only one trying to come down your chimney during the festive season? According to Greek mythology, a gaggle of goblin-like spirits are trying to slide into homes -- and instead of presents they are intent on leaving a trail of destruction. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:09:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/beware-the-kallikantzaroi-greek-goblins-run-riot-over-christmas-a-597656.html Who says Santa Claus is the only one trying to come down your chimney during the festive season? According to Greek mythology, a gaggle of goblin-like spirits are trying to slide into homes -- and instead of presents they are intent on leaving a trail of destruction.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/presents-on-a-broomstick-taking-flight-with-italy-s-holiday-witch-a-596060.html#ref=rss In Babbo Natale, Italy has its own Father Christmas. But it's La Befana, the ugly, broom-flying and present-wielding witch who keeps children on their toes in many parts of the country. Like St. Nick, Befana knows who's been naughty and nice. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:06:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/presents-on-a-broomstick-taking-flight-with-italy-s-holiday-witch-a-596060.html In Babbo Natale, Italy has its own Father Christmas. But it's La Befana, the ugly, broom-flying and present-wielding witch who keeps children on their toes in many parts of the country. Like St. Nick, Befana knows who's been naughty and nice.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/holland-s-politically-incorrect-christmas-santa-s-little-slave-helper-a-594674.html#ref=rss Few European Christmas traditions elicit as many diverse and divergent opinions as Black Pete of the Netherlands. Santa's former slave may have been whitewashed in recent years, but many still view him as a racist caricature from the country's colonial past. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:59:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/holland-s-politically-incorrect-christmas-santa-s-little-slave-helper-a-594674.html Few European Christmas traditions elicit as many diverse and divergent opinions as Black Pete of the Netherlands. Santa's former slave may have been whitewashed in recent years, but many still view him as a racist caricature from the country's colonial past.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/goat-headed-christmas-cheer-run-kris-kringle-krampus-is-coming-a-594050.html#ref=rss In Austria, Santa keeps track of who's been naughty and nice -- and unleases a 7-foot-tall horned devil on the naughty. He's called the Krampus, and he's unlike any Christmas tradition you've ever seen. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/goat-headed-christmas-cheer-run-kris-kringle-krampus-is-coming-a-594050.html In Austria, Santa keeps track of who's been naughty and nice -- and unleases a 7-foot-tall horned devil on the naughty. He's called the Krampus, and he's unlike any Christmas tradition you've ever seen.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/el-caganer-s-catalonia-s-fecal-christmas-festivities-a-592677.html#ref=rss Some of the world's most curious Christmas traditions can be found in Catalonia, where the idea of holiday cheer seems to involve some of life's more basic bodily functions. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/el-caganer-s-catalonia-s-fecal-christmas-festivities-a-592677.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/collective-cuts-circumcision-by-bulk-in-the-balkans-a-584788.html#ref=rss In the southern Balkans, a small Muslim ethnic group maintains its collective identity by means of mass circumcision. Once every five years, villagers gather to ordain their boys. And to party for four straight days. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:35:07 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/collective-cuts-circumcision-by-bulk-in-the-balkans-a-584788.html In the southern Balkans, a small Muslim ethnic group maintains its collective identity by means of mass circumcision. Once every five years, villagers gather to ordain their boys. And to party for four straight days.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/raisin-weekend-foam-fondling-and-malfeasance-at-st-andrews-a-583468.html#ref=rss Booze, shaving cream, and shockingly intimate familial relations make University of St. Andrews's "Raisin Weekend" one of the most reliably amusing events of British higher education. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:45:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/raisin-weekend-foam-fondling-and-malfeasance-at-st-andrews-a-583468.html Booze, shaving cream, and shockingly intimate familial relations make University of St. Andrews's "Raisin Weekend" one of the most reliably amusing events of British higher education. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/brawling-beasts-of-burden-the-wrestling-camels-of-turkey-a-576264.html#ref=rss The west coast of Turkey has a tradition of camel wrestling, which pits champion beasts from local villages against each other in a dusty stadium. But it tends to be as comic as it is exciting, since camels aren't natural-born fighters. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:28:47 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/brawling-beasts-of-burden-the-wrestling-camels-of-turkey-a-576264.html The west coast of Turkey has a tradition of camel wrestling, which pits champion beasts from local villages against each other in a dusty stadium. But it tends to be as comic as it is exciting, since camels aren't natural-born fighters.]]>