For the past two weeks, Bremen has been host to the annual Freimarkt festival. Otherwise known as Ischa Freimaak, this festival is the second largest in all of Germany next to Oktoberfest. For some reason, I was not expecting it to be that big, one because I was at Oktoberfest, and two because Bremen is not as big of a city as Munich. But this celebration, to use a favorite expression of Germans, is “riesen groß!” or, in English, insanely big. There are two sections to the celebration: one in the old city, and one near the train station. The set-up in the city center was definitely the cozier of the two; with local vendors dressed up in garb from the middle ages selling mulled wine and wooden trinkets. There was even an old-fashioned, two-floored carousel to ride, as well as a small Ferris wheel.

The carnival by the train station is where “riesen groß” applies, though – that was where the main party was, so to speak. At first, it was almost overwhelming because there were so many sights, sounds and smells, but we soon became re-oriented. Some of my favorite memories in this city so far happened at Freimarkt – riding the enormous Ferris wheel, going on a log flume ride in the rain and indulging in some German specialty treats.

I feel somehow inclined to name some of these treats, just because they are too awesome to ignore. I had three favorites: Schmalzkuchen, Bremer Kluten and Feuerzangenbowle. Schmalzkuchen is really similar to funnel cake, except the dough is shaped in cylinders, placed in a cone, and covered with powdered sugar. So basically, they are the recipe for perfection. Bremer Kluten are a candy traditional to this city, and they are sort of like peppermint patties, except ten times stronger. They are shaped like rectangles, and the stick is made of peppermint sugar. One end, along with the bottom, is dipped in dark chocolate, and it is really intense – but, if nothing else, it clears your sinuses. Finally, there was the magic of Feuerzangenbowle. German students and German club members over the age of 21, take note: every year, the club makes this for the annual holiday party. For those of you not yet legal to drink, go anyway and watch it being made – it is a really cool process. A large sugar cone is placed in a tray, doused with rum, and then lit on fire. The mixture is poured into the boiling pot of red wine, and the whole thing is served in one glorious cup. This was probably one of my favorite experiences – watching the vendor make it, then drinking it with my friends in the enjoyable nighttime atmosphere.

I am not sure how it could possibly have been a better way to spend an evening.

Although it was sad to see Freimarkt being dissembled, I know realistically that this is to make room for the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). Even though it is still only November, holiday cheer has already begun arriving in Bremen, and it is so exciting. Everything is lit and decorated, and all I can think about are sweaters, delicious German hot chocolate, and celebrating the holidays with my friends and family. I cannot wait to experience more!