Every year at Christmas in Europe we never cease to be amazed at the variety of the exhibition stands, for which the exhibits have often been transported with considerable difficulty by the various participating European schools. Even if the official guidelines were not always followed to the letter, the 2004 event was in general conducted according to the rules. But it must be said that there are always some cases of the guidelines being ignored, so that some stands look more like an annex of a regional tourist office than an exhibition of Christmas traditions.
Posters advertising the event.
The stands
And the ‘icing on the cake’ – throughout these few days, and as the presence of teachers and students allowed, there were spontaneous ‘happenings’ taking the form of dances, farandoles or accordion playing – sometimes all three at the same time!
Accompanied by a Slovenian on the accordion, the Slovaks and other
students give a spontaneous dancing display!
There were visitors of all ages…
In Bad Ischl 18 schools (including the Bad Ischl school) representing 16 counties exhibited the Christmas traditions belonging to their country or region. Sometimes the stand was prepared with much good taste and originality, and the result was very successful. Indeed the exhibition was open from December 5th to December 8th and was visited by an impressive number of school children who came as whole classes, as well as by curious members of the public. Although it would be difficult to give a precise figure, it is likely that several thousand visitors were attracted to the exhibition in the course of these four days. Many of them, if we are to believe the comments overheard, were amazed by the festive atmosphere, the products presented … and handed out to taste; they were also amazed how pleasant and welcoming the occupants of the stands were. In short, it was beyond any doubt a fine event, and one which contributed to creating the impression of openness which is an essential characteristic of the AEHT..
The stands
And the ‘icing on the cake’ – throughout these few days, and as the presence of teachers and students allowed, there were spontaneous ‘happenings’ taking the form of dances, farandoles or accordion playing – sometimes all three at the same time!
Accompanied by a Slovenian on the accordion, the Slovaks and other
students give a spontaneous dancing display!
There were visitors of all ages…
