Oktoberfest.

So if you read my last post you knew this would be my next one. If you ask me to describe Oktoberfest in one word, that would obviously be BEER. Yesterday I encountered litres and litres of beer, probably more beers than people actually. 

The weather tried to put a downer on the occasion but these Germans have no problem drinking in the rain, neither did us internationals I must admit. I witnessed a mass of umbrellas hanging from the  wooden bars on the outside of the tents, keeping most of us dry but obviously no one cared whether they were getting wet, they were concentrating more on singing the must-know Oktoberfest song Ein Prosit, when the bands in the tent play it every 20 minutes or so, you are meant to grab your partner next to you, sway, cheers! and chug. 

But of course Oktoberfest has a meaning, or at least it has a history. It traditionally starts the third week of September and ends the first Sunday of October, except this year it is a bank holiday so it ends today, Monday. It all began with the Royal wedding back in 1810. Today, the Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest festival in the world, with an international flavor characteristic of the 20th century. It takes place at the foot of the Bavaria Statue, by the Huge Oktoberfest grounds there are also carousels, roller coasters and endless enjoyment possibilities for people of all ages. 

The area itself is organised with one side dedicates to fair ground attractions, and another with tents, well there are tents everywhere, some are owned by local breweries so the beer can differ from one to another. The beer for Oktoberfest is generally made stronger than the original kind, and it is good, very good. If you don't like beer, you're screwed (excuse the language). The setting up of these tents usually start three months prior to the festival. 

I have to fit this little comment in somewhere and say that Germany is clean, at least the areas I have visited and Oktoberfest was no different, the toilets were spotless! Something you would not notice in Spain that is for sure. And speaking of Spain, this slightly resembles Málaga Feria but without people vomiting in the street and a knife or two being pulled out. They are clean drinkers, fun drinkers. 

Another characteristic of this famous beer festival is the Dirndl (I am yet to learn how to say it properly) and Lederhosen. These are the outfits everyone dresses up in. The Dirndl represents the slaves on the 18th century and the Lederhosen, the peasants of the same period. I think mine may me look like Mrs Bo Peep or a big ball of candy floss but it had to be done. 

From the tents to the beer to the bretzels, Oktoberfest was great, made exceptionally good with the help from my new international friends here in Germany who are always up for a laugh. And of course the German people, who are always friendly and make you feel at home. Also a little shout out to the many others we met, like the Americans from Minnesota who offered us a place to stay if we are ever 'in the neighbourhood'. I can't fault a thing about yesterday and without a doubt plan to return next year. 

A beer a day keeps the doctor away.

For the curious ones thinking about the song, here is a link to a youtube video so get the idea.