Can a Drink Have a Racist Name? Germany Debates the Question

One of the most popular beverages at Christmas markets has been ordered to adopt a new name after authorities ruled its traditional designation to be racist.

English POLITIKA 2025. DECEMBER 15. 11:29

The drink in question is a cocoa-based beverage flavoured with rum, long sold under the name “Lumumba.” Recently, however, every stallholder received an email setting out clear instructions regarding the use of the name. Anyone continuing to sell the drink under its former title will first receive a warning; persistent refusal to comply could result in exclusion from the Christmas market—effectively a blanket ban on trading and entry for the duration of the event.

According to the Frankfurter Rundschau, the current controversy erupted at the Kassel Christmas market. While visitors are ostensibly there to enjoy the festive atmosphere, the forced renaming has cast a shadow over seasonal preparations. Kassel Marketing has justified the move by arguing that the Christmas market must be a place where everyone feels welcome.

“We are aware that the name of the Lumumba drink has sparked debate at Christmas markets across the country. It is clear that there is no simple right or wrong answer, nor complete clarity on the issue. For this reason, we are consulting with all affected groups on how best to proceed. This process is time-consuming and complex, and has therefore not yet concluded,” said spokeswoman Birgit Kuchenreiter.

Jetzt soll sogar der Lumumba umbenannt werden. 😩#frankfurt #weihnachtsmarkt pic.twitter.com/drmrI411pG

“Lumumba” is a long-established name for an alcoholic version of hot chocolate. It has been controversial for years and has triggered repeated accusations of racism, prompting several cities—among them Frankfurt and Mainz—to rename the drink at their Christmas markets. There it is now sold under alternative labels such as Kakao mit Schuss (“cocoa with a splash”). In other regions, however, the drink continues to be sold under its traditional name, including at the Gudensberg Christmas market last weekend.

Critics argue that using the name of a murdered political figure for an alcoholic beverage amounts to mockery.

Although some stallholders have expressed frustration at the enforced change, most have complied following Kassel Marketing’s email. Some are now offering the drink under slightly altered names, such as “Lamumba.”

Konrad Ruppert, operator of Rupperts Almhütte and chairman of the Kassel–Göttingen Fair Organisers’ Association, says he does not understand the uproar.

“It has never been proven that the name actually derives from the freedom fighter,” he said. “The term comes from Spain, where it is commonly used for this drink in party destinations such as Majorca. Besides, most people do not even know who Lumumba was. And if a drink were indeed named after him, that could just as easily be seen as a mark of respect. I see no discrimination here at all, and I ask myself whether we really have no other problems.”

‘Simply Ridiculous’: Social Media Reacts

The news has prompted a storm of reactions on Facebook. Commenters have largely dismissed the decision as “simply ridiculous.” The overwhelming majority express incomprehension, with many openly mocking the move. Numerous users describe the renaming as a purely symbolic gesture and question whether there are not far more pressing issues to address.

This is not the first time the drink’s name has come under scrutiny. As early as last year, initiatives were launched to change the name “Lumumba,” prompting similar outrage from Christmas market visitors at the time.

English POLITIKA

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