Oktoberfest

The main celebration is in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.  It is a large, open to the public celebration, and does have attendees from around the world.  So, if you can get to Munich you would be able to join right in.

But, many cities around the world also have Oktoberfest celebrations.  Usually, a group of Bavarian descent, or even of German descent, will get the celebration going.  However, there is no reason why those not of German descent cannot have a fun filled celebration.

Why not?  In this area we celebrate often, and seem to go from one celebration to the next.  We have Mardi Gras, Saint Patrick’s Day, Saint Joseph’s day, Cinco de Mayo, Bastille Day, and Oktoberfest.  Those are the ethnic based celebrations.  We also have many other celebrations, among them is Jazz Fest and the French quarter Fest.  We are fortunate to have an area that was settled by the French, controlled by Spain, controlled again by France in the time of Napoleon, receive people from Arcadia, Canada, became part of the United States and had large immigrations from Germany, Ireland, and Sicily, Italy.  Each group has its own celebrations, and we all celebrate together regardless of which group is hosting the party. 

Here, the German heritage is celebrated with Oktoberfest, and Oktoberfest has even been the theme of Church fairs.  It is not the prolonged celebration as is found in Bavaria, it is a one day or one weekend celebration, and does seem strange when our abbreviate celebrations end prior to October considering the name.  

Oktoberfest is a celebration, and it is that simple.  There seems to be no strange connections.  Prince Ludwig, later King Ludwig I, began the celebration in honor of his wedding in 1810.  It was a lengthy wedding party for the people to participate in the event.  As you would expect with any wedding reception today, the focus is on good food, beer, good music, and dancing.  While the food, music, and dancing are Bavarian inspired, keeping with the traditions of the festivities origin, the variety is usually great enough that most people will find something appealing from the food available.

The other requirement is merriment.  Check any hostilities and negative attitude at the door.  It is an upbeat, happy time, and all who participate should practice merriment so as not to detract from the experience of others.

Oktoberfest is a celebration, and it is that simple.  There seems to be no strange connections.  Prince Ludwig, later King Ludwig I, began the celebration in honor of his wedding in 1810.  It was a lengthy wedding party for the people to participate in the event.  As you would expect with any wedding reception today, the focus is on good food, beer, good music, and dancing.  While the food, music, and dancing are Bavarian inspired, keeping with the traditions of the festivities origin, the variety is usually great enough that most people will find something appealing from the food available.

The other requirement is merriment.  Check any hostilities and negative attitude at the door.  It is an upbeat, happy time, and all who participate should practice merriment so as not to detract from the experience of others.

Decorations for Oktoberfest should be with the blue and white tilted diamonds of the Bavarian flag.  The design looks like a pulled checkerboard, and is in light blue and white.

Oktoberfest decorations are easily found as party supplies. 

As for attire, the host and hostess could, if they want to do so, wear costumes of the period and location of the original Oktoberfest, but is this does not happen no one will really care. 

If you wish to have your own Oktoberfest, just pick a date, send out the invitations, and have adequate food and drink for the people you have invited.  Your main duty is to make the guests happy, and they should each assist with this task.  And, you do not have to run your home gathering for sixteen days. 

Just remember that as you play the Bavarian music to include the Chicken Dance song, which your guests will demand to have played often.

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