Oktoberfest 2016
As the Autumn sets in, Mallorca is getting ready for the fabulously fun celebrations of the annual Oktoberfest!
For those of you who have not yet tried this, you are for sure in for a great evening, with lots of singing, eating, dancing on tables and of course beer!
The tradition dates back to 1810 and was 1st celebrated in to mark the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Theresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen when the local people were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. To this day, we continue to raise a glass or 2 for the long deceased happy couple.
The Oktoberfest celebration has developed into a bit of an iconic event with many nationalities heading over to Munich to take part and sample the wonderful “Paulaner” beer which is specially produced for the event, traditionally served in oversized glasses and having tried it, I can confirm that its very good…but with quite a kick. For non-beer drinkers there are plenty of other options including soft drinks on offer.
Of course being the proud nation that they are, the German people have brought the custom right here to the island of Mallorca giving us all a chance for a wonderful night out and to sample the Bavarian culture.
So what happens at Oktoberfest? Well, there’s live German music which of course gives rise to some jolly thigh slapping German dancing all very spirited which normally ends up with many people up on the tables!
Many Bavarians will don their authentic national costumes and don´t be surprised to see some lederhosen clad men and women in peasant styled corset dresses and your waiters and waitresses will be accordingly dressed for the occasion.
Where there’s drink there’s of course food and there is a good menu serving traditional German food including the infamous Currywurst and of course sauerkraut. If it’s just a nibble you are after then the giant sized pretzels are always available.
So why not join in these fantastic festivities and get down to a venue near you!
Festivals this year will take place at:
Santa Ponsa – from 29 September to 12 October
Palma – from 20 to 30 October
Playa de Palma – from 16 September to 22 October
By Mary Willoughby