Sunday, March 9, 2014

Highland Games all over Germany

Germans are crazy about Scottish style Highland Games!

According to various web sites, there were around 30 events in 2010 in Germany labeled as "Highland Games". In addition, there are other sports and entertainment events more or less based on some aspect of Scottish culture, for instance the "Braveheartbattle" in northern Bavaria or untold bagpipers. The spelling of the event reflects the traditional challenges of Bavarians with regard to the English language.

This Wikipedia page in German is a great entry point for aspiring social science majors. There is a vast field of cross cultural events for your perusal.

Hollywood and the German fondness of underdogs (as long as they are not German underdogs) certainly help to explain the proliferation of Highland Games.
Also, wearing a kilt on such occasions offers German males more opportunities for wearing non-trouser attire, traditionally limited to the carnival period.

We are unsure as to the extend to which Germany's own celtic heritage played a role in the popularity of Highland Games type events. We do know of one event on the site of a restored celtic settlement but local celtic heritage plays a lesser role than Roman heritage during Roman themed events.

The German Highland Games association promotes the sporting side of the games. The drinking and dancing side doesn't need much promotion.



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