May the traditional Christmas tree nagging begin: "Manni" has arrived at Römerberg! The approximately 25-meter high, 60-year-old spruce, which was selected as this year's Frankfurt Christmas tree, started its journey this morning from the Hessian Spessart, more precisely from the municipality of Flörsbachtal, where the tree was already felled last Wednesday. Already for the arrival of "Manni", whose name stands for peace and hope, some onlookers had gathered again on the Römerberg, which was well filled until the final installation of the tree. For many of those present, it is simply a tradition to be there when the Frankfurt Christmas tree arrives. And even the blasphemy about the tree is simply part of it - especially since it usually falls silent as soon as it shines in the glow of lights. And so, in addition to a "At least it's fuller than last year's", a "Man, it's ugly" could also be heard. All years again...
Naturally, the topic of energy saving does not stop at the Christmas market. Not only the stand operators have sometimes created concepts to save the greatly increased costs. Also the Christmas tree and its lighting were there for discussion. But on the one hand, the city already switched to energy-saving LED lamps a few years ago. On the other hand, the "Manni", which weighs around three tons, is much smaller than its predecessors and therefore needs fewer lamps. "Gretel" for example, which stood in the Christmas season 2021 on the Römerberg, was about 6 meters larger than its successor and therefore also needed more lights.
After its delayed arrival in Frankfurt by about an hour and a half, it took about three more hours for "Manni" to be untied from its lashings and then placed in its holder by employees of the Frankfurt Fire Department. Now the branches have to unhook before the lights are attached and the tree - if necessary - is given a festive makeover by the Christmas tree beautician. For the opening of the Frankfurt Christmas Market on November 21, the spruce will then traditionally shine in full glory for the first time. We look forward to it!
