Bremerhaven Christmas market changes: Lumumba” remains taboo!

Bremerhaven Christmas market changes: Lumumba” remains taboo!

Christmas time in Bremerhaven not only offers a festive atmosphere, but also heated debates. The Bremerhaven Christmas market has decided to change the tradition of selling hot chocolate with alcohol under the name “Lumumba”. Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH has asked the stand operators to rethink the name and offer alternatives such as “cocoa with a shot” or “hot chocolate with rum”. This measure is no coincidence, as the name commemorates Patrice Lumumba, a Congolese freedom fighter who was murdered in 1961. This historical connection has been a source of debate for some time, particularly among critics who find it disrespectful to name an alcoholic drink after a man who fought for his ideals.

Michael Gerber, Managing Director of Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH, emphasized that racism in any form was condemned and that the stand operators were informed about the problems surrounding the name. Although there is no binding requirement for renaming, many suppliers have already responded to the request and removed the name “Lumumba” from their range, which is now increasing the debate about the term at the Bremerhaven Christmas market.

Debate about respect and tradition

The use of the name “Lumumba” is not just a local issue. The discussion about the racism aspect is also taking place in numerous other German cities. For example, the stand operators at the Christmas market in Kassel were advised to no longer offer drinks under this name. Here Kassel Marketing promotes the idea of ​​creating a welcoming place where everyone feels respected. Show a good knack for sensitivity! Last year at the Christmas market in Frankfurt it was recommended that the name “Lumumba” no longer be used, and this meant that there was no longer a stand offering these drinks this year.

The renaming debate is accompanied by contradictory reactions. On social networks there are both supporters of the change and critics who want to keep the original name. This topic has heated up people's minds and many are asking themselves: How much tradition can or should one give up in order to achieve social respect?

Social change in focus

Gerber sees the renaming as an important sign of positive social change. The decision to use language more respectfully shows that society is evolving. In a world where there is a lot of discussion about identity and history, empathy and understanding are needed. But no matter how you feel about this decision, what is certain is that the Bremerhaven Christmas market, with its diverse offerings and current discussions, is without a doubt the focus of interest.

Visitors can only hope that the mulled wine and the festive atmosphere will push lost traditions and interests into the background. Nevertheless, this Christmas market will once again be a place for gathering and exchange - in the midst of all the discussions.