Curiosities about Oktoberfest, the most German party in Brazil

There are many typical Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, Bolivian and other immigrant groups throughout Brazil. But one of the most prominent and which is starting right now, in October, is Oktoberfest, linked to the German colony and held from October 3 to 21 in Blumenau, Santa Catarina.

O awesome.club presents some curiosities about the biggest German party in Brazil, held for 35 years and which, each season, gains more news.

In 1984, the cities of Vale do Itajaí, in the east of Santa Catarina, experienced a major flood. In Blumenau and in the other cities of the region, all with enormous influence of German immigration, businessmen and the public authorities decided to come together to create a party along the lines of the original Oktoberfest, which takes place in Munich, Germany. It would be a way to raise money, move the economy and, at the same time, celebrate the traditions of the colony.

A great tradition of the party are the typical parades held on Rua XV de Novembro, in Blumenau. They are held in the late afternoon, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, during the days when the party takes place.

Folk groups, hunting and shooting clubs, bands, exotic cars can participate (one of the main attractions are the locopeias). The population and tourists, of course, love it.

The folk costume is inspired by ancient Germanic clothing (mainly from the Bavarian region, where Munich is located). It is the look commonly associated with the party: hat, shorts with suspenders and vests (for men) and apron, suspenders and flared skirt (for women).

To enter the party, of course, you don’t need to wear a typical traditional outfit. But, if you are wearing a costume (within the required standards), can you get a discount or free entry to the festival pavilions? Cool, huh? Check the regulation here.

Oktoberfest Blumenau is the biggest german party outside germany🇧🇷 It is second only to the official ‘Oktober’, which, as we said, is held in Munich.

The event attracts many tourists, locals and neighboring regions. This means that, every day, thousands of people attend the pavilions where the meetings take place. Some numbers from the 2017 edition:

568 thousand visitors. Meals served in the pavilions: 383,000 typical dishes. Beverages: 1.5 million glasses or 612,000 liters of draft beer.

The party’s royalty is made up of a queen and two princesses who, after being chosen, travel around the country publicizing the event and also showing the rest of Brazil a little bit of Blumenau.

There is also a very beloved couple in the history of the party: the Grandma and Grandpa Chopão🇧🇷 They are characters created by Luiz Cé, a publicist in the region, who represent the revelers dressed in typical German costumes. Not only do they appear during the month of October, they are also a well-known couple in newspaper strips in the region.

A highlight of the party is the meter beer contest: candidates compete for who can drink ‘1 meter’ of draft beer faster. To avoid excesses, the drink used for this competition is no alcohol and that draft beer must be taken in a special container that resembles a giant pipette.

Another attraction are the craft breweries that participate in the festival. Altogether there are 7 major beer brands and an official brewery, Eisenbahn.

In addition, the region is famous for the artisanal production of beers, including a Higher School of Beer and Malt.

It is important to highlight that there is a control to prevent the drinks from being marketed to people under 18 years of age.

And, of course, even if you are older and want to enjoy the party, after drinking, do not drive. There are several transport options to the hotels in the city.

Some typical German dishes can be savored in the restaurants spread across the pavilions at the party. You will be able to delight yourself with cucas, hackpeterduck burger, pork knuckle, mallard, crackling, Pretzel and much more. It is mouthwatering.

Typical German music is responsible for animating the crowd during the party. There are several local bands and even artists coming directly from Germany, such as VoXXclub.

Did you know that there is a special edition of Oktoberfest in the city of São Paulo? This year the second edition is being held and it will take place between September 28th and October 14th, at the Anhembi Sambadrome. The ‘Oktober’ Blumenau pavilions have the capacity to receive 40 thousand people at a time🇧🇷 It’s one hell of a party! There is a ‘mini’ edition of Oktoberfest during the summer called SommerFest. After all, to celebrate it is not necessary to have a special reason, right? The region has many beauties and sights. It’s worth visiting!

Is that you? Have you ever been to an edition of Oktoberfest? Or, if you haven’t been there yet, would you like to visit and get to know it?

Share your opinion with us here in the comments.