Vibrant nativity scene persists at the heart of Ulm's Christmas market
In the picturesque town of Ulm, the live nativity scene has been a cherished tradition for generations of families, forming the emotional core of the Ulm Christmas Market. This year, a study conducted by the University of Vienna confirmed that the animals involved in the scene do not experience pain or long-term stress, thanks to extensive measures taken to ensure their welfare.
The live nativity scene is more than just a holiday spectacle; it's a special piece of Ulm's rich history. The animals are housed in spacious stalls equipped with retreat areas, and they are provided with nighttime accommodation in heated stall containers. Regular veterinary examinations and on-site care by trained staff further ensure the animals' wellbeing.
These animal welfare measures are not unique to Ulm. In many European Christmas markets, live nativity scenes follow similar protocols. Animals are given proper shelter and protection from weather conditions, have access to sufficient food and water, and are limited in their time spent in the scene to avoid stress. Veterinarians or animal welfare experts inspect and supervise the animals, and the animals are accustomed to crowds and noise to prevent distress.
Mayor Martin Ansbacher has emphasised the importance of the live nativity scene, acknowledging differing opinions but emphasising the efforts made to balance tradition and animal welfare. Jürgen Eilts, Managing Director of the Ulm Fair, also highlights the uniqueness of the live nativity scene and its irreplaceable nature in its current form. The Ulm Fair's Supervisory Board has decided to continue the live nativity scene at the Ulm Christmas Market, ensuring that this beloved tradition will continue to draw visitors of all ages.
The live nativity scene is a central attraction of the Ulm Christmas Market, setting it apart from many others. It's considered the heart of the market, and the care taken for the animals is considered animal welfare-friendly and in compliance with legal requirements by the Ulm Veterinary Office and animal protection authorities. The animals are carefully selected through a targeted pre-selection process, ensuring that only suitable animals are used.
With the live nativity scene, the Ulm Christmas Market offers a unique and emotional experience that visitors from all over the world come to witness. The tradition continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of the organisers, the local authorities, and the community of Ulm.
- The live nativity scene in the Ulm Christmas Market is not only a cherished tradition but also a testament to the town's rich history, extending beyond fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden topics to incorporate elements of relationships, as it brings generations of families together.
- The animals participating in the live nativity scene are well taken care of, with spacious living quarters, regular veterinary check-ups, and accommodations to cater to their needs, making it a unique blend of food-and-drink (as visitors can enjoy the festive offerings) and pets (as animal welfare is prioritized).
- The live nativity scene's importance is emphasized by the Mayor and the Managing Director of the Ulm Fair, demonstrating a commitment to balancing tradition with modern concerns, such as those related to travel, as they aim to maintain the event's authenticity while adapting to evolving social and ethical perspectives.
- The live nativity scene, being a central attraction of the Ulm Christmas Market, serves as a draw for travelers from around the world, demonstrating the event's far-reaching impact and its significance beyond cars, as it fosters a sense of unity and shared experience.
