Advice On Celebrating Oktoberfest

by amhall

posted on 10/05/2009

Today is October 6, which is German-American Day! What a perfect time to celebrate Oktoberfest, one of Germany's most festive holidays. The original Oktoberfest occurred in Munich on October 18, 1810 to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen with a horse race. Nowadays, however, the festival is celebrated in early October and anywhere there is an appreciation for beer, sauerkraut, and pork products. Given that German are the largest single ethnic group in the United States, you should have little problem finding an Oktoberfest close to home. Check with your local Goethe Institut for details.

However, if you go to an already established Oktoberfest, you will, of course, have to pay extra for the privilege of drinking your Augustiner amongst strangers clad in lederhosen… and why would you do that when it's so easy to create that ambiance at home with your friends and family?Even if you don't want to sport aforementioned lederhosen, you can nevertheless buy some decorations in blue and white, the colors of the House of Bavaria. As Oktoberfest celebrates the harvest, you might want to pick up some fresh or dried flowers.

The most important part of Oktoberfest is not the decorations but the beer. Everyone has some relative who visited a German-speaking nation at some point and picked up a beer stein. These are readily available at your local Goodwill store. While you're there, you can peruse the always-depressing selection of used CDs for polka hits certain to rock your Oktoberfest.

Once you have your decorations and music set, you can turn your attention to the food and drink. Augustiner is the traditional, local beer in Munich and is usually not too difficult to find at a good liquor store. Food can be as elaborate or simple as you please. If you're really feeling ambitious you could make some Schnitzel and German Potato Salad. However, as the holiday's emphasis on beer might suggest, this is not crucial. You Boil a few Brats or Knockwurst in some beer and onions. Warm up a few soft pretzels and set out a pot of mustard. Guten Appetit! With that the scene is set for you and your friends to drink, pretend to know how to dance the polka, and enjoy. Viel Glueck zum Oktoberfest feiern!

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