“Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit. Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit.” -Traditional German beer drinking song that wishes good health and cheer to companions.
I was first exposed to Germany’s Oktoberfest culture when I was eight years old. During a whirlwind trip to Munich, my parents’ German friends whisked us away to what seemed like each and every famous city landmark.
First there was Munich’s Rathaus or city hall, where we watched the Glockenspiel figurines on the intricate tower twirl upon the hour; then we voyaged to the splendid two-domed church called the Frauenkirche, which was built in the 15th century. And since a visit to Munich is not complete without stopping by the famous Hofbräuhaus, we ventured there for a meal as well. Once we were inside the legendary brewery, which was founded in 1589, I recall hearing polka music emanating from shiny brass instruments, and also upsetting a Lederhosen-clad beer-drinking local when we mistakenly sat at his Stammtisch (or regular’s table).
Aside from those happenings inside the Hofbräuhaus, I most vividly remember the strange adults who were getting sick on the cobbled streets outside of the brewery. “What’s wrong with them?” I asked my mother, with great concern. “Are those men okay?” I don’t recall how she responded, but let’s just say that I had been officially introduced to a special German cultural tradition – fest season!
Now that autumn is in full swing, I find myself missing all the fun festivals I once enjoyed in Germany. From Heidelberg’s Herbstfest (which I attended nearly ten times since I lived among the heart of the festivities) to the Bad Dürkheim Weinfest and the granddaddy of them all – Oktoberfest, fall is a fantastic time to be in Germany!
Though Oktoberfest is soon drawing to a close, I thought I would pay tribute to fests past through images that feature pretty Dirndls fit for a wine princess and Lederhosen donned by the traditional German man. Other integral components of Oktoberfest are Brotzeit sessions, waitresses fine-tuning their biceps carrying glass mugs carrying one Liter of Bier each (known as ein Maß), mammoth pretzels galore, and Lebkuchen hearts with prophetic messages.
If you cannot make it to the world’s biggest fair this year – which has been held in Munich since 1810 – it will again take place for 16 days next year starting in September and ending in October.
So, start shopping for the perfect Dirndl or Lederhosen now, begin learning the lyrics to some catchy beer-drinking tunes, and finally, reserve your fest table well in advance. To that I say, Prost!, or Cheers!
Filed under: Travelogues Tagged: Bavaria, beer, Dirndls, Europe, German, Germany, Hofbräuhaus, Lederhosen, Munich, Oktoberfest, photography, photos, pretzels, Stammtisch, travel
