Across Germany, several Christmas markets are changing the name of the popular alcoholic cocoa drink “Lumumba.” In recent years, accusations of racism have become increasingly shrill.
The ongoing dispute has seen some organizers recommending or mandating alternative names for the festive brew.
This year, Kassel Marketing GmbH has banned vendors at the Fairytale Christmas Market from selling cocoa with rum under the traditional name. Similarly, Bremerhaven’s Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH has advised stall operators to avoid the term.
The debate stems from the drink’s alleged association with Patrice Émery Lumumba, the Congolese independence leader and first prime minister of independent Congo, who was executed in 1961. Critics claim that calling a black-colored drink “Lumumba” may mockingly reference his death, though the historical link is unconfirmed. Afro-German groups and migrant organizations have actively campaigned against the name, arguing it devalues black people.
Not everyone agrees with this interpretation. Simon Mputu Ngimbi, a member of the Congolese community, said that he had never encountered anyone from Congo offended by the drink’s name and stated he cannot understand the accusation of racism.
Vendors have responded to the controversy. In Kassel, customers can now order “Lamumba,” while Kiel offered “Kielumba.” Last year in Frankfurt, variations included “Lamamba” or “Rumba.”
Meanwhile, the wider atmosphere at German Christmas markets has shifted dramatically. Traditional festive stalls are increasingly overshadowed by heavy security measures, anti-terror concrete barriers, and armed police. What should be a celebration of peace has become a demonstration of fear, with cities forced to transform festive squares into fortified zones. Years of irresponsible political decisions have left Christian cultural events increasingly vulnerable to extremist violence.
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