Octoberfest Food and Celebrations
However, one of the most famous, world-known events that occurs at this time of the year is Oktoberfest. Known for its beer tents, delicious Octoberfest food, and the “om-pa-pa” bands, it is a celebration that occurs not only in Munich, Germany, but around the world. What is Oktoberfest?What started as a marriage celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 18, 1810 in Munich, Germany, is still celebrated almost 200 years later and is known as Oktoberfest. In 1810, a huge horse race was the central attraction. Years later, it became a carnival. Now, it is a rocking, music-filled, “food and drink” fest that celebrates the Bavarian culture. Similar Oktoberfest activities are held world-wide with Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario's version well-known.When is Oktoberfest?The nicer weather in September has brought changes to the dates, so that the celebration starts 17 days before the first Sunday in October when the party ends. Oktoberfest CelebrationsAsk almost anyone what Oktoberfest is about and they will tell you: beer and food. But, there is more than that.
In 1835, a parade became part of the regular festivities. Now, approximately 8,000 people in traditional Bavarian costumes walk through the center of Munich to the Oktoberfest site. From 1950 onwards, a 12-gun salute and the tapping of the first beer keg by the Mayor of Munich signals the opening of Oktoberfest. And yes, beer and food is the main part. Over 6 million visitors (2007 stats) to Munich's Oktoberfest feast on traditional Bavarian foods. There are many tents set up (the largest, Hofbräu-Festhalle, holds 10,000 people!) for eating and drinking. To keep these beer tents and the overall Oktoberfest “family friendly”, only traditional music is played until 6 pm. After that, the louder pop music is heard. How You Can Celebrate Oktoberfest
Even if you can't go to Munich, or one of the other Oktoberfest sites, you can still enjoy the traditional Bavarian Octoberfest food. These include chicken, roast pork, grilled fish, many types of sausage including Weisswurst, haxn (pork hocks) pretzels, bread or potato dumplings, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and red cabbage. Check out the following recipes ideas. They are hearty, traditional, and easy to make at home. Serve them up with German music in the background, decorate your table in the traditional German colors of black, red, and yellow and celebrate your very own Oktoberfest.
Check out these Oktoberfest recipes below:Breaded Pork Chops Green Cabbage Homemade Sausage Kassler Kasseler Chops with Sauerkraut Oven Fried Chicken Pork and Sauerkraut Pork Chop Dinner Pork Hocks Pork Hocks and Sauerkraut Potato Pancakes Red Cabbage Smoked Pork Chops Top of Octoberfest Food Quick German Recipes Home
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