Colors of Alsace - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

It is simply impossible to imagine the journey around the picturesque Alsace without buying souvenirs; for many tourists shopping trips turn into an exciting adventure. The fact is that national souvenirs are the true embodiment of local traditions and customs; not everyone knows that the stork is a symbol of Alsace. You can see graceful and unhurried birds literally everywhere, including major cities of the region.

Interesting artifacts depicting storks remain the most popular gifts among foreign guests. Charming toys, graceful engravings, traditional magnets and amazingly delicious gingerbread can be incarnations of the local symbol. Here stork is associated with fidelity and happiness. If a bird has made a nest on the roof of the house, then it is considered a very good omen. However, this belief is common not only in Alsace.

Art lovers associate Alsace primarily with the work of Jean-Jacques Valetz, which is known to the general public as Annecy. Today, works of this outstanding cartoonist and illustrator are widely admired; he covered the brightest everyday topics in his works. Drawings of Uncle Annecy became an integral part of national folklore; they also decorate a variety of souvenirs. It’s quite simple to recognize pictures of this outstanding artist, as they usually feature plain rural scenery and a variety of genre scenes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Alsace has its unique culinary character, sweet kugelhopf, tasting like a classic cake. An important feature of this national delicacy is its original form, as the cake resembles a turban. According to one version, magicians have first cooked that pie in Ribeauville. A special cooking bakeware is popular among tourists as a souvenir; one of the local museums is dedicated to this popular staff. Those who wish to bring back from a trip some edible souvenirs have to pay attention to local gingerbread, pain d'epices; they are usually sold in very beautiful tin boxes.