Street Culture Milestone: "Zur Ritze" Celebrates 50 Years on St. Pauli
Let's step back in time: the legendary "Zur Ritze" bar and its feisty history in St. Pauli
Ever heard of it? The iconic, almost naked legs are a signature of one of St. Pauli's most legendary bars - "Zur Ritze". Established more than five decades ago, this watering hole has been the hotspot for drinks, boisterous conversations, and the occasional boxing match in the underground boxing ring. The "Ritze" stands alongside the "Zum goldenen Handschuh" and "Elbschlosskeller" as symbols of St. Pauli's storied past, attracting millions of tourists every year. "It feels like stepping back in time when I'm here," says "Ritze" owner Carsten Marek. This October, the bar turns 50, and they're pulling out all the stops for a massive celebration.
A red-light district with a history
"Zur Ritze" is one of the most famous and oldest establishments on the Reeperbahn. Boxer Hans Joachim "Hanne" Kleine opened it in 1974. Before that, he boxed professionally and represented the East German national team.
There, not only drinkers but also aspiring boxers honed their skills in the underground ring. Legends like Henry Maske, Vitali Klitschko, and his brother Wladimir Klitschko were among those who stepped into that ring. After Kleine's passing in 2011, his wife Kirsten Kleine continued running the ring and the bar. Since 2014, former kickboxing world champion Carsten Marek has managed the iconic venue, pledging to keep it in its original state. Boxing still takes place in the cellar, with around 100 men and women training there daily.
Marek, who made headlines in the 2000s for running the infamous "Marek Gang", which dominated the Reeperbahn, still operates a brothel in Hamburg-Hamm called "Babylon". The 64-year-old continues to make waves in the city's nightlife scene.
A grand celebration: "Kiezlife Live"
On October 24, "Ritze" chief Marek will celebrate the bar's 50th anniversary with a lavish party. He's invited around 1000 guests, including celebrities, politicians, media personalities, and boxing legends. The festivities will take place at the "Moondoo", a club on the Reeperbahn.
On November 7, a 90-minute personality show "Kiezlife Live" will debut in the boxing ring. The show will highlight Bordel-life stories from the past and the present, promising authentic, gritty tales that go beyond the typical Reeperbahn tours. Seating is limited to 120 audience members. "We wanted to create a format that would captivate the audience, delving into heartfelt stories that are genuinely authentic," said producer and moderator Jasmin Taiebi.
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Antonia Fiedler
Never mind what's in the fridge: Antonia Luca Fiedler, born in 1999 in Winsen an der Luhe, turns mere provisions into a scrumptious feast. With a background in graphic design, she's found a creative outlet in turning breads into a star for various television tests, hosting shows on Namibian radio, and recording rock station jingles in Hamburg. For Antonia, it's all about doing it yourself - whether volunteering in the Schützenverein or the Antihunger-Laden. She holds a degree in Media Management and Journalism from Wilhelmshaven. Abbreviation: alf
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Social-media buzzes with excitement about the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic "Zur Ritze" bar, a staple of St. Pauli's storied past. In the realm of pop-culture, celebrities, politicians, and media personalities will mingle with boxing legends at the grand event, promising an unforgettable evening filled with entertaining stories and glimpses into the realms of entertainment and sports.
