By— Jamil Oakford
Christmas traditions will get a German touch on NE Campus Dec. 5 with Nikolausfest.
The German Club will give visitors a chance to savor traditional German sweets, make gingerbread houses and be exposed to the culture. Dec. 6 marks the official holiday of St. Nikolaus in German-speaking countries, celebrating a Turkish bishop who helped those less fortunate.
“Parties like this are traditional in Germany,” NE world languages instructor Maddalena De Nicola said. “In Germany, they expect St. Nikolaus to show up on Dec. 6. The big thing kids look forward to is putting their boots outside their door and receiving candy in them.”
At the event, attendees will get to make straw ornaments, decorate their own personal-sized stained glass windows and hear how this holiday is celebrated in other German-speaking countries.
The event has gained popularity over the last couple of years. De Nicola said last year saw its largest attendance yet at 90 people. Attendees are treated to German food, arts and crafts opportunities and a visit from St. Nikolaus and his helper Knecht Ruprecht.
Ruprecht is known in Germany as the character who follows St. Nikolaus to children’s homes, and if the child has misbehaved, he punishes them.
“There are a few versions of Ruprecht in German-speaking countries,” De Nicola said. “Like in the Alps, Krampus is St. Nikolaus’ helper. I plan in the future to add a Krampus, but he’s got a very elaborate mask, and he’s pretty scary too.”
De Nicola added that all the costumes are handmade by former TCC student Tarah Dewiese, who now attends the University of North Texas.
The event is open to everyone interested. Nikolausfest will be 1-3:30 p.m. in College Hall (NCAB 1111). For more information, contact De Nicola at maddalena.denicola@tccd.edu.
