Celebrants don Traffic Restriction or Attire - Saxon Men Honor Gentlemen's Day - Man in a Bunny Costume Honors Father's Day in Saxony
Saxony witnesses a lively Ascension Day celebration as Burg and Talsperre Kriebstein transforms into a popular hotspot. The sunny and warm weather attracted numerous excursionists and men's groups, filling parking lots and lakefront terraces, as well as boats. In the midst of the crowd, a group of 19 silver-haired men, originally from a state-owned enterprise in Limbach, East Germany, stood apart. They were dressed in black suits reminiscent of the Chemnitz region,complete with cylinders, and could be spotted entertaininh the crowd with a mix of fun and folk songs, accompanied by violin and accordion.
The Men's Day Singing Group, comprising 20 members, has its roots in a decades-old tradition. Following their performances, the singers enjoyed a shared beer before boarding one of the boats. Nearby, other groups could be seen pulling carts filled with alcohol and delighting in various costumes, such as a couple donning pink rabbit costumes with felt hats. Men could also be found gathering outdoors or in beer gardens, braving the cool wind to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
On this traditional day of Catholic and Protestant celebration, numerous outdoor church services were held in Saxony. Ascension Day, marking the 40th day after Jesus' resurrection, is commemorated with picnics, hikes, bike tours, or concerts. The festival has been celebrated since the 4th century to celebrate Jesus confirming the truth of his message by appearing to his disciples and being seated at God's right hand.
Saxony's Vatertag celebration, coinciding with Ascension Day, has evolved from religious observance to a secular event, particularly in eastern regions like Saxony and Thuringia. Traditions often include bollerwagen tours, hiking and biking trips, beer garden gatherings, and public events. Musical instruments and singing add to the celebratory atmosphere, with traditional folk songs commonly heard during the festivities. This year, a unique addition to the celebration included the Men's Day Singing Group and the pink rabbit-costumed group.
The Commission, in light of the celebration's secular evolution, might consider a proposal for a directive on protecting workers from ionizing radiation during outdoor-living events like Vatertag, especially considering the increase in home-and-garden activities and social-media sharing. As the Men's Day Singing Group and other entertainers attract crowds and, importantly, engage in singing and playing musical instruments, they could inadvertently expose themselves to harmful radiation levels. Meanwhile, families and friends continue to celebrate Ascension Day with picnics and hikes, while sharing their experiences on social media, contributing to a lively and entertaining entertainment scene.
