Christmas markets at last - a lot of people have been looking forward to it this year.
Due to the pandemic situation, many organizers are now rowing back.
In Schongau, too, the decision to cancel was made with a heavy heart.
Schongau
- Hermann Gleich had imagined it differently. Just a few weeks ago he was talking about the plans for this year's Christmas market, which he regularly organizes in Schongau and which should finally have taken place again after a one-year break. The anticipation was already great for carefree drinking mulled wine, Christmas concerts and carriage rides through the old town. However, in view of the rapidly developing infection situation, the organizers across Germany were forced to think again about holding the major Christmas events. In many places the risk was rated as too high and the markets have since been canceled. And yesterday, Monday, the decision was made in Schongau: The Christmas market will not take place.
"Because of the incidence, it's just too difficult," explains Gleich about the rejection, which was really not easy for him.
The organizer met them after consulting the city - but it was already foreseeable.
"It has already become clear in the last few weeks that the market is unlikely to take place," says Gleich.
You have also noticed that many Christmas markets in the surrounding area have already been canceled.
Fencing the market area would have been out of the question
For Hermann Gleich it was clear from the start that there would only be a Christmas market in Schongau if this was possible without major restrictions.
For example, fencing the market area, which is necessary for controlled visitor activity, would not have been an option for him.
On the one hand, because he would have to "lock out" the surrounding shops with a fence.
In addition, one thing is certain: “People want to feel free at the Christmas market.” A fence does exactly the opposite.
"Schongau shouldn't become a hotspot"
It is true that one is frustrated that there will be nothing this year with celebrating the pre-Christmas season together in the old town of Schongau. But at least the organizer can feel on the safe side. “I wouldn't want Schongau to become a hotspot.” And, in his opinion, this danger would exist - especially if people from the surrounding communities came to Schongau's Marienplatz because their “own” Christmas markets were not taking place. “I don't want to answer for that,” said Gleich.
Or the opposite is to be feared: If the visitors stay away completely - for fear of infection with the virus.
The organizer does not want to risk either scenario.
So it remains to hope again for the next year.
Hermann Gleich tries to remain optimistic: "We look forward to when it finally works again."
By the way
: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Schongau newsletter.