Grafrath Literary Procession Illuminated by Solingen's Writers
Gräfrath, a picturesque historic district in Solingen, Germany, was illuminated by torches and lanterns last Friday evening as the Solingen Authors' Circle celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special literary torchlight walk.
Participants gathered on the Gräfrath market square, where a fire was lit in a fire bowl, setting the tone for the atmospheric evening ahead. As the darkness enveloped the cobbled streets, the group embarked on a journey through the town's medieval half-timbered houses, guided by the soft glow of torches.
The event featured a diverse lineup of local authors, each offering a unique perspective on literature. Martina Hörle, the founder of the Solingen Authors' Circle, captivated the audience with her quirky and humorous story about a vampire and a harpy, as well as her popular poem "Who Can Read."
Meanwhile, Leo Litz recited a powerful poem that critiqued AI, while Florian Meurer used the church portal as a stage for his moving poems. Saga Grünwald enthralled the audience with a tale of dark romance about a mysterious lake that reunited a lonely widower with his beloved, and Pascal Herder captivated the audience with short stories and unexpected twists in the cloister courtyard.
The walk was inspired by the full moon from the previous day, and many of the readings reflected themes of nature, history, and human emotions. Markus Missing shared a text about the moon and a "rough" story about a woman in a white, transparent dress who puts the self-assured Henry in his place during the Chinamoon. Dirk Steinert read a text about the origin of fairy tales and stories under the illuminated Catholic church.
The Night Watchman shared interesting information about an old fountain at the Täppken, which was once used as a watering hole for cattle and horses. Kay Ganahl kicked off the event with a text about wolves and werewolves, setting the stage for an evening filled with enchanting stories.
The literary torchlight walk concluded with many laughs, followed by a social gathering around the fire. This event was supported by the Association for Art and Culture in Gräfrath and was a testament to the power of literature to bring people together and create lasting memories.
If you're interested in attending a future Literary Torchlight Walk in Gräfrath, it's best to check local event calendars or the Gräfrath tourist information for the next scheduled event. These events are great opportunities to enjoy literature in a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
During the social gathering, attendees were encouraged to discuss and share their favorite books from the diverse collection of authors presented, showcasing the appreciation for literature that extended beyond the torchlight walk.
In addition to literature, the event also highlighted related areas such as fashion-and-beauty and entertainment, with some authors incorporating their personal style and charisma into their readings, making for a captivating performance.
As the evening drew to a close, participants stood around the warm fire, enjoying food-and-drink and discussing plans to return for the next Literary Torchlight Walk or perhaps explore other attractions in Gräfrath's home-and-garden precinct, expand their literary horizons, and delve deeper into the realms of fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
