Stollen season: Dresden stollen bakers celebrate kick-off

Between classical and modern: with ballet and breakdance interludes, the Schutzverband Dresdner Stollen celebrated the symbolic start of the stollen season at Albrechtsberg Castle. "This year, our Stollen will become a link between classical music and breakdancing," said Andreas Wippler, chairman of the association, in Dresden on Wednesday. The Dresden Christstollen stands for culinary tradition and the dynamism of all Stollenbäcker in the bakeries, he said.

Under the motto "The Nutcracker in Stollenland," the protective association drew inspiration this year from Peter Tchaikovsky's ballet classic "Nutcracker," among other things. To draw the bow to modernity, they produced together with the multi-award-winning breakdance crew "The Saxonz" a dancing declaration of love to the traditional Dresden pastry.

The video clip celebrated its premiere on Wednesday. "Those who know us know that we are incredibly fond of such crossover projects and love staging challenges," said Philip Lehmann, a member of "The Saxonz."

"Preserving the pastry tradition is of great importance to manufacturers," said Karoline Marschallek, managing director of the Schutzverband. "Still, every year we face the creative challenge of telling our familiar story over and over again." Last year, about five million Christmas stollen were sold, according to the association.