When Brazil becomes more than a Travel Destination
The Oktoberfest 2024 in Blumenau has started!
By BRADESTINO
Publish Date: October 11, 2024
Last Update: October 13, 2024
The 39th Oktoberfest in Blumenau takes place between October 9 and 27, 2024. During 19 days this Beer Festival celebrates the German Culture and Traditions.
Would you like to review the Blumenau Oktoberfest Parade in Blumenau from 12/10/2024? Discover it here! (Source: NSC Total)
The Brazilian Oktoberfest in Blumenau is the second biggest Oktoberfest in the world after the famous German Oktoberfest in Munich. Its origins date back to 1984, shortly after the city experienced devastating floods in 1983. Blumenau, founded by German immigrants in 1850, used Oktoberfest as a way to uplift the community and attract tourists to stimulate the local economy. The festival not only honors the city's strong German heritage but also fosters a sense of unity and cultural pride.
The Oktoberfest in Blumenau carries a rich array of traditions that reflect both its German roots and local Brazilian influences. Some of the key traditions include:
1. Parades: A significant part of the festival is the traditional parades that take place in the streets of Blumenau. These feature decorated floats, folk dance groups, marching bands, and participants dressed in traditional Bavarian attire like lederhosen and dirndls. The parade celebrates German culture and history, as well as Blumenau's connection to its immigrant founders.
Centopéia Multi–Tricycle 2009
Vikingpéia Float 2009
ON RUA XV One of the most striking attractions of Oktoberfest Blumenau has been taking place since the first edition on Rua XV de Novembro, in the city center. The parades have evolved over the years, with the creation of new floats and the participation of more and more people, but they continue with the same spirit: bringing the community together in a public place to celebrate the biggest party in the city! Source: oktoberfestblumenau.com.br
2. German Music and Dancing: Throughout the festival, live performances of traditional German folk music (such as polka and waltzes) play a central role. Visitors are entertained by local and international bands, with many also participating in folk dancing, often led by groups dedicated to preserving German cultural traditions.
Chopp Motorrad Blumenau Oktoberfest 2009
Chopp Motorrad is a tradition at Blumenau's Oktoberfest. Their work is inspired by music from Tirol in Germany.The sound produced by the band is quite peculiar to Germanic traditions. Among the instruments is the Brassbett (played by a broomstick on a sound box), the Teufelsgeige (known as the Devil's violin, a reference to the woodcutters of the European Alps who made music in the forest with sticks and wire). The band's arrangements also include wind instruments, harmonica, bandoneon, trumpet, saxophone and violin.
Alô Blumenau from Cavalinho
3. Traditional Clothing: Many attendees dress in traditional Bavarian clothing–lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Wearing these costumes is an important way for locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the German culture that the festival celebrates.
Lederhosen for Men and Dirndls for Women
4. Beer and Food: Much like its Munich counterpart, beer is a central feature of Oktoberfest in Blumenau. The festival offers a wide selection of German–style beers, often brewed locally, alongside German dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, and strudel. These reflect the culinary traditions of Germany, enjoyed in large beer halls known as "Vila Germânica."
Bierland and Eisenbahn
Local German Dish
5. "Chope Em Metro" Competition: One of the most popular traditions is the "Chope em Metro" competition, where participants race to drink a meter–long glass of beer in the shortest time. It's a fun and lighthearted competition that draws a lot of excitement and attention from the crowd.
Beer drinking competition
One of the most unique games at the party is Chope em Metro. The competition was already present in 1984, and has never been left out of the party's program since. The draft beer, however, is now alcohol–free. The objective, however, is the same: to turn a 600 ml tulip, in a glass with a long spout, without drooling or taking your mouth off. Whoever finishes first, wins! Source:https://oktoberfestblumenau.com.br/
6. Queen and Princesses of Oktoberfest: Every year, the festival crowns a Queen and 2 Princesses of Oktoberfest, selected based on their commitment to the festival's traditions and their knowledge of German culture. They act as ambassadors for the event and often lead parades and other key festivities.
Ambassadors of the Oktoberfest
7. Folkloric Dances and Games: Folkloric dance performances, such as Schuhplattler (a traditional Bavarian dance), are performed by local cultural groups. Additionally, traditional German games like log–sawing contests and other activities are held for festivalgoers to enjoy.
Folkloric Dances
These traditions help preserve and promote German culture within Blumenau while also blending Brazilian warmth and hospitality, making it a unique and engaging celebration.
Do you want more information? Check out the Official Website of the Oktoberfest in Blumenau: Link
Check out Vovô Chopão's comic strip, written by Luiz Cé (who created this symbolic character of the Blumenau Oktoberfest):
"Fritz" and "Frida" are the typical German characters. The "Vovó e Vovô Chopão" (Grandma and Grandpa Chopão, "Big Beer") are the official symbolic characters of the Blumenau Oktoberfest.
