Why Oktoberfest Wasn't What I Thought It'd Be

Oktoberfest! Yeah, I know right? The ultimate German event for tourists (6 million attendants each year) and I finally went! I was really stoked about it. Particularly since I got to borrow a dirndl (traditional dress) to wear to the festivities (Thanks to Dani!). I looked like a Bavarian girl :)

Oktoberfest is known around the world as the big German party that goes down every year in the region of Bavaria, city of Munich. Images of beer and lots of food are associated with it.  But the truth is smaller versions of Oktoberfest happen all around Germany in different towns/cities throughout the year. They are called Volksfest (means people's fair). It turns out that the Volkfest in Munich became known around the world whilst there are tons of these lesser known events that happen even in the smallest towns.

Click here to see and hear Oktoberfest.

How I Got There
We took the train from Nuremberg to Munich. It was kind of funny waiting at the Nuremberg train stop and seeing a few other people dressed up. They'd look at me; I'd look at them. You know, how you do on Halloween. Sizing each other's costumes up to see who was wearing what. I gotta say I felt proud of my little outfit  We were advised to attend early in the morning to avoid the crazy crowds. So here I was dressed in my dirndl alongside people dressed in suits and dresses ready to go to their office jobs. Hahaha! Of course once I got off the train in Munich, I felt normal again as I walked into the masses of others dressed Bavarian-ly in their dirndls, lederhosen (leather suspender pants), and checkered shirts (you'll spot them in my pictures). And did I mention the braids? Yes, braided hair for women is definitely a must at Oktoberfest. Lucky for me!

What I Expected vs What I Got
Here's what I expected of Oktoberfest. I thought it was a parade of sorts, an open party on the streets, much like Mardi Gras. I was wrong. It's a fair! Really. Rides and all. Nostalgia took me back to the 10 year old me once I saw those bumper cars with the flashy lights and the cool rollercoasters with the awesome music blaring. The main attraction at Oktoberfest though are the many "tents" that are set up. The tents are more like buildings where hundreds of people can sit and enjoy the festivities of Oktoberfest, namely eating, drinking, and dancing.  Each tent has a different name, theme, and menu for the event. I went to at least four. Tent hopping I'd call it and it was super fun. I ate, drank, danced, and laughed. Fun times!

At the entrance ready to go in!

This particular tent is popular amongst celebrities. It's called Hippodrom.

Smoked fish anyone?

That's a roasting whole pig back there!

I sat at this table and most of these folks were tourists. Tons of tourists!

Vikings at Oktoberfest? I never figured this one out.

Bavaria statue.

Girls wearing dirndls and braids.

Guys wearing lederhosen.

The Paulaner tent.

Pretzels anyone. 4 people can share one!

Note: The culture of Bavaria (a region in Germany) is very popular. When one imagines what Germany is like without having been there before, one may immediately think of Bavarian culture (e.g. pretzels, leather pants, Oktoberfest). I just want to clear the record to say that this is just one type of culture in Germany. There is much more diversity, traditions and customs that is less commercialized. Bavaria's, cultural distinction, in my opinion, is similar to that of the Southeast of the United States. Not only is Bavaria in the South of Germany but generally speaking it shares some of those soulful and rustic characteristics found in some of our southern states. And they've definitely got their own version of soul food! Ham hocks (schweinshoxen), potato salad, and fried pork chops (schnitzel)!