Christmas market criticism: Peta warns of suffering from the ponies in Berlin!

Christmas market criticism: Peta warns of suffering from the ponies in Berlin!

With the Christmas party in front of the door, many Berliners enjoy the festive atmosphere on the city markets. The popular Christmas market on the RAW site in Berlin-Friedrichshain in particular has already attracted numerous visitors for its medieval atmosphere. But now this festive place is criticized, because the animal welfare organization PETA expresses serious concerns about animal participation, especially in pony rides, which is a highlight for children. "The volume backdrop at such events is anything but contemplative for the animals," explains Mareike Homann, specialist at PETA. PETA demands that the pony ride are set because the sensitive animals suffer from the stress of a friendly Christmas, such as reported.

Christmas markets have been part of the German tradition for centuries, but their history is anything but unproblematic. Originally intended as a place for the upper class, they experienced a change in the 19th century when the proletariat flocked to the city centers. Historian Joe Perry describes that the Christmas market would have lost its charm and became a meeting point for "troublemakers" and beggar. This development caused the markets to be banished from the inner city areas. Interestingly, they were later brought back to the center by the National Socialists to propagate racist and nationalist ideas, as Geo

The markets have developed from these dark origins to popular attractions, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread and other treats. Nowadays there are an estimated 3,000 Christmas markets in Germany, and even international travel providers use this trend to make special offers. However, despite their popularity, the discussion about the fair treatment of everyone involved remains alive, both for people and for the animals that are often part of these festive practices.