Unterwegs – January 12, 2024

Photo by Vando Oliveira

CARNIVAL BRAZIL

JAN 19, 8 P.M., FRUCHTHALLE, KAISERSLAUTERN

The year 2024 holds special significance for both the vast country of Brazil and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Both regions are celebrating “200 years of German immigration to Brazil,” particularly from the Palatinate and Hunsrück to southern Brazil. To mark this occasion, the Department of Culture, in collaboration with the city museum (Theodor-Zink-Museum | Wadgasserhof), is organizing a series of events, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and readings. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the District Association, the ZukunftsRegion Westpfalz, and in collaboration with Centro Cultural do Brasil em Lautern, the Brazilian Cultural Association.

The kickoff event is a “genuine” Brazilian carnival Jan. 19 at the Fruchthalle, featuring Brazilian samba dancers, capoeira performers, musicians, and singer Vando Oliveira from Rio de Janeiro. Christoph Dammann, head of the Department of Culture and the event’s initiator, explains, “There will also be a Palatine carnival component. The distinguished comedian Wolfgang Marschall from the Untiere will deliver a ‘Büttenrede’ (carnival speech) addressing the highly relevant topics of immigration and the encounter of different cultures.” A costume contest is also planned, and the Fruchthalle’s catering will offer drinks and snacks. Tickets are 15 Euros and available at the Tourist Information, online at eventim.de, and at all other presale locations.

73RD WESTRICHER FASTNACHTSUMZUG

FEB. 13, RAMSTEIN, CALL FOR KMC PARTIPICATION

The largest Fasching parade in the region will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13 next year. Traditionally, various groups from the KMC participate in the colorful fun along with local German and even French groups. Interested parties are encouraged to contact email umzug@kvbruchkatze.de or call Markus Kuproth (English speaking) at 0160-94852307 for details and registration.

CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION IN VILLAGES

Please set the Christmas trees without decoration on the curb before 6 a.m. on collection day (not on private area). Trees can also be brought to the organic collection points. Please note that only trees without decoration are accepted!

  • Jan 15: Weilerbach, Rodenbach, Erzenhausen, Samuelshof, Eulenbis, Schwedelbach, Pörrbach
  • Jan 16: Frankelbach, Olsbrücken, Sulzbachtal, Mehlbach, Katzweiler, Hirschhorn
  • Jan 17: Heiligenmoschel, Schallodenbach, Schneckenhausen, Niederkirchen, Heimkirchen, Wörsbach, Morbach
  • Jan 18: Baalborn, Otterberg, Drehenthalerhof
  • Jan 19: Otterbach, Sambach
  • Jan 22: Mackenbach, Kollweiler, Reichenbach-Steegen, Fockenberg-Limbach, Albersbach, Obermohr, Kirchmohr, Schrollbach, Reuschbach, Weltersbach
  • Jan 23: Ramstein-Miesenbach, Kottweiler-Schwanden, Steinwenden
  • Jan 24: Hauptstuhl, Spesbach, Hütschenhausen, Katzenbach, Niedermohr
  • Jan 25: Landstuhl
  • Jan 26: Kindsbach

KAISERSLAUTERN COMPACT ON YOUR SMARTPHONE

KAISERSLAUTERN APP AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH

Whether it’s commerce, gastronomy, events, or tourism, the offerings of the Barbarossa city are abundant! To keep track of everything, smartphone users can utilize the convenient Kaiserslautern app. For some time now, this app has also been available in English, automatically adjusting to the smartphone’s default language settings. See GACO Corner for details.

DER NUSSKNACKER (NUTCRACKER SUITE)

JAN 17, 7 P.M., FRUCHTHALLE, KAISERSLAUTERN

Fans of classic ballet won’t want to miss out on this performance by an ensemble from Naples, Italy. Marvel at how Tschaikowsky’s music has let dolls, mice and a tin army come alive in a scenic setting for over a hundred years. https://nussknacker-klassisches-ballett.reservix.de/p/reservix/event/2139930

JAZZ STAGE MEETS NEW YORK STORIES

JAN 26, 7.30 P.M, JAZZ STAGE, FRUCHTHALLE, KAISERSLAUTERN

Three top musicians promise to tell unforgettable stories and perform melodies and grooves describing their own “New York tales”. http://www.eventim.de/

KMC Quiz

Test your knowledge about the Kaiserslautern American Community and see if you can answer all of these questions correctly.

Clue: All answers can be found in the Talk of the Town series, www.kaiserslauternamerican.com, download past editions 2022: (Feb. 25, Mar.25, Apr. 22, May 20, Jun. 10, Aug. 12, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 2)

1. Ramstein Air Base was originally founded by:
a. German forces b. French forces c. U.S. forces

2. The correct name of the large soccer stadium in Kaiserslautern is:
a. Betzenberg Stadium b. Ottmar Walter Stadion c. Fritz Walter Stadion

3. The name Kaiserslautern is derived from the Latin name:
a. Lutra b. Lutera c. Lautera

4. The emperor who resided in Kaiserslautern from about 1152 to 1158 was called
a. Friedrich Barbarosso I b. Friedrich Barbarossa I c. Frederic Barbarossa I

5. Germans often refer to U.S. Army Kleber Kaserne as
a. 21. Kaserne b. 32. Kaserne c. 23. Kaserne

6. The largest sacral building in Rheinland-Pfalz in its original condition is located in
a. Otterbach b. Otterberg c. Enkenbach

7. The most famous person who resided in Landstuhl is
a. Franz von Assisi b. Franz von Landstuhl c. Franz von Sickingen

8. The largest group of KMC members reside in the Union Community of
a. Ramstein-Miesenbach b. Weilerbach c. Landstuhl

9. Annual horse races take place in:
a. Bruchmühlbach b. Ramstein c. Miesau

10. Sembach Kaserne (former Sembach Air Base) is located in:
a. Kaiserslautern County b. Donnersberg County c. Winnweiler County

11. A large granite sculpture can be found in Enkenbach-Alsenborn depicting a/an:
a. Ox pulling a plow b. Elephant pulling a plow c. Farmer pulling a plow

12. The “thick tower” can be found in:
a. Landstuhl b. Kaiserslautern c. Baumholder

13. Eulenkopfturm (tower) where you can get married is located near:
a. Weilerbach b. Kaiserslautern c. Bruchmühlbach-Miesau

14. The (registered) population of Kaiserslautern is about:
a. 75,000 b. 100,000 c. 125,000

15. The Kaiserslautern Military Community is made up of about _____ members:
a. 45,000 b. 55,000 c. 65,000

1-7 correct: Welcome to the KMC! You are probably rather new to the area and curious about the sights to see and things to explore. Team up with your colleagues and go on discovery tours within the KMC and surroundings.

8-12 correct: Well done! You are becoming familiar to the area and starting to settle in. Watch for events and activities in “Unterwegs” and use the opportunity to explore the region and its experiences.

13-15 correct: Congratulations! You are a real “Lautrer” and well acquainted with the area. You might wish to share your knowledge and show newcomers around the area and discover even more.

Answer key

b. French forces started constructing a runway and base in 1952

c. Fritz Walter Stadion, named after Fritz Walter, who was team captain when Germany won the FIFA World Cup in 1954

a. Lutra, the word means “clear or transparent” and refers to the river that traversed the town

b. Friedrich Barbarossa I, which means “red beard,” as he is said to have had a long, red beard.

c. 23. Kaserne, named after the 23rd Infantry Division of King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, built in 1913 with an impressive bell tower.

b. Otterberg, the Abtei Kirche was built in 1143 by the Order of the Cistericians. It is in its original form and is only slightly smaller than the Cathedral in peyer, which was rebuilt.

c. Franz von Sickingen of the noble Sickingen family, who resided at Castle Nanstein and Landstuhl is celebrating his 500th birthday in 2023.

a. Ramstein-Miesenbach with 7,800, Weilerbach 4,100, Landstuhl 3,800

c. Miesau, the prominent horse races take place on the Pentalcostal weekend in May or June and are considered to be one of the most prestigious equestrian events in Germany.

b. Donnersberg County, Winnweiler is a union community located within the county.

b. Elephant, many circuses had their winter quarters in Alsenborn and helped farmers plow their fields when oxen were rare.

c. Baumholder, the “thick tower” (Dicker Turm) is part of the former city wall

a. Weilerbach, the Eulenkopfturm is located in Eulenbis, part of the UC of Weilerbach

b. 100,000 are registered in Kaiserslautern, about 2,500 Ukrainians are currently in/near Kaiserslautern and people of 128 different nations live in the city.

b. 55,000, the KMC (including Baumholder) is the largest American community outside of the USA.