Beer and Bratwurst — for most of us this is the extent of our knowledge of Oktoberfest. But there is much more to this festival that has grown to be one of the largest fairs in the world; Oktoberfest has a rich history deeply rooted in Bavarian tradition.
“It was really a festival to celebrate the wedding ceremony of the Bavarian King Ludwig I to the Crown Princess Theresa,” explained Dr. Heidi Denzel de Tirado, German native and assistant professor of German at Georgia State. “It was originally the festival for the common people”.
Oktoberfest has since evolved into a 16-day fair recognized and celebrated around the world. Festival goers from all over gather in a tent in Theresienwiese (Meadow of Therese). Many are clothed in traditional Bavarian dresses called dirndls and leather breeches called lederhosen.
Oktoberfest’s famous beers are brewed under strict conditions.
“If your beer is brewed in Munich, it can be called Oktoberfest beer, but it has to be brewed under “German Purity Laws,” which only allow all-natural ingredients like water, hops and barley to be used,” Dr. Robin Young Huff, senior lecturer in German and French at Georgia State University, said.
The festival tradition runs from Sept. 21 through Oct. 6 and begins with tapping of the keg.
“There is a big ceremony where the mayor has to tap the first keg, and once it’s tapped he gives the first glass to the minister president of the state of Bavaria,” Huff said.
Fortunately students don’t need a passport or plane tickets to Munich to enjoy Oktoberfest — Atlanta is one of the many places around the world that celebrates this festival. This year began with the traditional tapping of the keg at Der Biergarten on Sept. 21. Since then, there have been celebrations sprinkled throughout the city.
Georgia does not adhere to the traditional time frame of Oktoberfest, so there are activities in Atlanta and the surrounding areas for students to attend until the end of October.
Annual Oktoberfest
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, Georgia’s authentic Bavarian atmosphere is worth the road trip.
Once a fading lumber mill, Helen was redesigned to look like a Bavarian village. Their Oktoberfest started in 1970, a year after the construction of the town was finished. With the authentic aesthetic of the small town, food and music, Helen is a little piece of Germany without the plane ride.
“It’s all about beer, music, dancing and having a good time,” said Renee Chacon, the executive director of the Helen Festelle.
Helen’s festivities began Sept. 12, and span through Oct. 27. The event takes place at Helen Festhalle at an indoor venue equipped with long-style tables similar to that of those inside the tents in Munich. Inside you can enjoy traditional German music, dancing (including waltzes, polkas and the Chicken Dance), 16 different types of beer on tap and six different kinds of wurst. Admission for the event is $8 Monday through Friday, $10 Saturday and free on Sunday. Food and drink are not included in admission.
For more information visit: www.helenchamber.com/Helen/Oktoberfest.html
Der Biergarten
Der Biergarten is a short walk or bus ride from Georgia State’s campus. They bring Munich to Marietta Street with authentic German food and a festive traditional atmosphere. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor garden areas with traditional German “family style” seating.
Events at Der Biergarten started Sept. 21, and continue until Oct. 27. Saturday and Sunday they will have pilsner specials, live music from DJ Johnny and Die Kurtzbuam, and giveaways.
Food selection includes classic German dishes such as weiner schnitzel, jäger schnitzel and authentic sausages like bratwurst, knackwurst and landjäger.
For More information contact: atloktoberfest.com
