The highlight of the year has begun for Saxony's miners' associations. Dressed in their traditional costumes and accompanied by bands and singing, they parade through the towns again during Advent, recalling the centuries-old mining tradition in the Free State, from which many Christmas traditions originate. The mining parades are not only intangible cultural heritage, but also attract tens of thousands of onlookers every year. Around a dozen alone are organized by the state association of miners', smelters' and miners' clubs during Advent, its chairman Ray Lätzsch told the German Press Agency. In addition, there are many other regional elevators.
"This is the highlight of the year for us and the reason why people are active in the associations," explained Lätzsch, speaking of "positive stress" for himself and his colleagues. The aim is to present mining and metallurgy traditions to the public, pass them on and bring joy to people's hearts in the run-up to Christmas. According to Lätzsch, around 3,800 people are involved in the more than 60 associations in this country.
