Colors of Lemgo - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Lemgo is a tiny old town whose inhabitants are known for their welcoming character and reverent attitude to historical traditions. Hundreds of years ago, it was an important trading city. Fairs were regularly held on the central square where merchants from all around presented their goods. The tradition of holding such fairs has been successfully preserved - trading stalls unfold on Market Square every Wednesday and Sunday. Here one can buy the best farm products from all over the region, taste special home-made beers, as well as purchase wonderful handicraft. Such fairs have become a good tradition for townspeople. They visit them not only for shopping but also to see folks and loved ones.

Since Lemgo can hardly be called a typical tourist city, the attitude towards foreign guests is special here too. They always arose locals' interest, townspeople are happy to talk with strangers on neutral topics and can talk about peculiarities of their town endlessly. The central square that is unofficially called the "Stone Hall" has been the center of the public and cultural life of Lemgo for several hundred years. The most important public gatherings took place here once, but now the square has turned into a venue for interesting holidays and festivals.

In the summer months, it hosts the annual Sommertreff Music Festival in which modern music performers take part. Once this holiday was completely unknown and was visited only by residents of Lemgo and nearby settlements. Over the past ten years, it has acquired the status of a major international holiday attracting musicians from other countries. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

For several days, the central city square turns into a huge open-air stage on which solo artists and music bands perform non-stop. The festival is participated by performers of various musical genres, which attracts a very wide audience. Such a great festival wouldn't be complete without gastronomic entertainment. Food stalls and open-air kitchens sell the most popular regional treats right on the square.

In Lemgo, preparations for New Year and Christmas celebrations begin a few weeks before the holidays. On the first Thursday of December, the traditional Kleschen Winter Festival starts here. The main attractions of this festival are colorful fairs taking place on the main squares and streets. Locals and tourists are offered traditional Christmas treats, all kinds of home decorations and souvenirs. Such fairs are always accompanied by a grandiose and varied entertainment program.

Artists and musicians perform on city streets, interesting contests and special activities are organized for children. During the holiday, the lively atmosphere on the streets of Lemgo doesn't calm down until late at night. Many people go to fairs with the onset of darkness. A mandatory attribute of the festive weeks is a wonderful illumination, which makes historic buildings look truly unparalleled.

Old architecture preserved here is another an interesting feature of Lemgo - unique buildings with a centuries-long history can be seen at every step. Each one has its own unique characteristics, the age of many surviving buildings exceeds 300 years. For tourists, walking along the city streets can turn into a real journey into the past. Today, many historic buildings are occupied by popular restaurants and shops, and some of them have been successfully converted into hotels.

Lemgo is considered a fairly calm town with a measured way of life. On ordinary days, only a large number of young people - students of a local university - enliven streets of the town. The development of modern culture is also of great importance to townspeople. A few years ago, such a theater troupe as Stattgespräch was formed here. All its participants are ordinary locals, representatives of different professions. Theatrical performances are held here as part of all major holidays. It would be interesting to watch the performances of amateur actors if you are interested in contemporary art.

Besides, Lemgo is a great vacation spot for those who do not like too noisy, touristy cities. This is the best destination to plunge into the atmosphere of the classic old town, many traditions and customs of which have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Colorful fairs with aromas of the best regional products, beautiful historic festivals and vibrant music festivals make Lemgo's image special.