"Recently I took some time to talk with my friend, Michael Fricker, about his favorite topic: the United German Hungarians. It's also a topic that, as a new member, I am always interested to learn more about." -Mike Stirm II
Tag: Mike Stirm II
My First Gaufest, by Mike Stirm II
In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a glorious hall where the greatest warriors feast, drink, and compete every day. When I walked into the Main Ballroom of Harrah’s Conference Center on Friday night of Gaufest, this is what came to my mind. A sea of Trachtlers filled the room. I had never seen so many in … Continue reading My First Gaufest, by Mike Stirm II
Dancing Around: Sommerfest at Brauhaus Schmitz, by Mike Stirm II
On Saturday, June 25, the United German Hungarian Cultural Group returned to Brauhaus Schmitz to help celebrate their 13th anniversary and Sommerfest. Mother Nature had halted our intended return in May, but on this day the sun was shining, and the sky was clear save for the occasional cloud that offered some welcome shade. There … Continue reading Dancing Around: Sommerfest at Brauhaus Schmitz, by Mike Stirm II
Two “Oma” Recipes, by Mike Stirm II
Two things I love in this world are my Oma and her cooking. Recently, I spent some with Anna Stirm learning how she makes two of her famous dishes.
The Beginnings of Tradition (Part II), by Mike Stirm II
As a new member of our Cultural Group, I wanted to learn a bit about the history and how this amazing tradition began.
The Beginnings of Tradition (Part I), by Mike Stirm II
As a new member of our Cultural Group, I wanted to learn a bit about the history and how this amazing tradition began.
A Newcomer’s Perspective, by Mike Stirm II
I first encountered the United German Hungarians’ Cultural Group two years ago. I was sitting at a table with my family during Maifest at the Cannstatter. The group took the stage and began to do a partnered folk dance. I was struck by the grace of the dancers, the beauty of the music and the traditional dress. I felt pride for my German-Hungarian descent rise in me—and a desire to be part of what I was witnessing.