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Sterling
Heights At the national gathering of
Donauschwaben", members of the youth groups were asked to write about their
most memorable experience at Tag der Donauschwaben". Debbie Kapraun from the
Detroit group placed 1st and was awarded $100.00.
My Favorite
Donauschwaben Festival
I've thought for quite some time on which Donauschwaben festival is my
favorite, but really how can you put a finger on exactly which one is the
best. Each event has something unique and special about it that helps to
celebrate our heritage and way of life. Kirchweih celebrates the beginning
of the church year along with many other traditions and Königsball brings
forth a new beginning to the group. Although each club has their own
traditions and events, every club comes together to participate in Tag der
Donauschwaben.
There are so many things to look forward to. Nonstop music and dancing from
the afternoon until well into the evening, seeing old buddies, making new
friendships, watching new and exciting performances, enjoying the delicious
variety of meals, and so much more.
Everyone enjoys the first night as most clubs arrive and friendships are
rekindled from previous years. All groups come together to perform the
friendship dance. This is a time when all the youth share one common thread
of history and culture. Afterwards, we continue to reminisce about previous
festivals, fill friends in on the happenings of the last year, and meet more
people.
All of these friendships have something special about them. We each know
about where we came from, our heritage, and we care about keeping our
traditions alive. It's not just about the friendships that have been created
and kept. Thinking of last year's festival, we were fortunate enough to be
able to listen to a speaker explain the hardships that she and our ancestors
endured during their times in the homeland. While many of us have heard the
stories from our grandparents and great-grandparents, every family member
had different experiences and it's important for us to hear the many
different perspectives that aren't taught in our history classes. Tag der
Donauschwaben is a time for us to open our eyes, ears, and hearts, and come
together as one.
The rest of the weekend is filled with a whirlwind of activity and
camaraderie that comes too quickly to an end. On Monday, after all of the
goodbyes are given, and we've all gone our own way home, the countdown to
next years Labor Day weekend will once again begin.
Debra Kapraun
Carpathia Youthgroup, Detroit |
