Nora Falk marks the festive season with a new Nuremberg spectacle
Nuremberg's New Christkind: Nora Falk Takes the Stage
The city of Nuremberg, Germany, is gearing up for another enchanting Christmas season with the election of its new Christkind, Nora Falk. Falk, a local teenage girl, will be taking on the role for the next two years, starting from November 28.
The Christkind tradition, dating back to the 17th century, is deeply rooted in Nuremberg's Christmas market, the Christkindlesmarkt. This symbol of hope, resilience, and the spirit of Christmas has been a beacon of light for the city, especially after it endured difficult times such as wars and rebuilding phases.
As the Christkind, Falk will be opening the Christkindlesmarkt with a traditional prologue, inviting all visitors to join in the festive atmosphere. The market, famous throughout Germany, includes activities for children, such as the Children’s Christmas Market, where Falk will regularly engage with visitors, spreading holiday cheer.
The selection of the Christkind is a tradition in itself, with only girls from Nuremberg having held the position since 1969. This gender exclusivity is explained by historical references, positioning the Christkind as a female figure. Falk was chosen from six finalists by a jury, and she feels honored and emotional about her election.
Falk's hobbies align with the qualities required for the role. She enjoys tennis, theater, kickboxing, and singing, all of which demonstrate her fearlessness, resilience, weatherproof nature, and warm heart. Her costume for public appearances will be created by tailors from the Nuremberg State Theatre.
On the day of the market's opening, Falk will make a public appearance from the balcony of the Church of Our Lady, enchanting the hearts of the people. During Advent, she has a busy schedule with over 100 events planned, including regular appearances in schools, kindergartens, and retirement homes.
The Christkind traditionally wears a dress adorned with stars, a curly wig, a golden crown, and wings. Falk will be no exception, embodying the angelic and fairy-like Christ child figure that the tradition represents.
Despite the long-standing tradition, no information was provided about a potential reason for not allowing boys to wear the costume. The tradition remains a cherished part of Nuremberg’s cultural heritage and draws many visitors each holiday season.
[1] Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt [2] Nuremberg Christkind [3] History of Nuremberg Christkind
[1] With Nora Falk taking the stage as Nuremberg's new Christkind, fashion enthusiasts might be intrigued by her costume, a traditional attire featuring stars, a curly wig, a golden crown, and wings, in the spirit of the fashion-and-beauty trends prevalent during the holiday season.
[2] As the home-and-garden seasons change, Nuremberg gears up for its enchanting Christmas market, the Christkindlesmarkt, bringing a whole new lifestyle for its residents and visitors alike, immersed in Christmas cheer and festive traditions.
