“Laternenlauf” – an after dark family event – Just when it’s nice and chilly outside the Barossa German Language Association Inc. invites you to their annual lantern walk – a favourite German family tradition. All families, including grandparents, are very welcome to join from 4pm. The walk itself will be starting at 6pm, please bring… Continue reading Barossa Laternenlauf 29th July 2023

Bringing Light into a Dark World by John Clarke Many countries around the world have traditions associated with Winter, most often centring on fire and light. The ancient Persians and the Norsemen built bonfires; the English and Scots burned their Yule log. In Germany there is the lantern walk (Laternenlauf). Its history is uncertain, but… Continue reading Laternenfest 24th July

by John Clarke There are many festivals and celebrations in Germany, but one that is particularly connected with children is the Laternenlauf (lantern walk). On 11 November (St Martin’s Day), in the depths of Winter, children gather to make lanterns, which they then light and carry, singing lantern songs, through the darkness: Laterne, Laterne, Sonne,… Continue reading An Old German Tradition in a New Setting