Oktoberfest is a beloved and traditional festival that originated in Munich, Germany, which arose in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I.
In 1960, even without a wedding to celebrate, it became the festival it is today, with typical foods, dances, folklore, fun, and beer.
Since then, it has spread worldwide. In the south of Brazil alone, at least four cities in Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina have announced the schedule for the tradition in October: Igrejinha, Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Rosa, and Blumenau.
After a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebrations will again gather the public to celebrate.
THE OLDEST
Blumenau’s Oktoberfest is the second-largest in the world (after the original, in Munich) and the largest in the Americas. It is also the oldest in Brazil.
Since the first edition, in 1984, when 102,000 people passed by the old Pavilion A of Proeb, currently Vila Germânica Park, the event has gone down in history. Now, it lasts for 19 days. The 38th edition will take place this year between October 5 and 23.
The visitors will find more than 150 typical German dishes. The program includes concerts and cultural presentations.
The most expected shows in the list of national artists are Pocah, Buchecha, Thiaguinho, Pedro Sampaio, and Jeito Moleque. The celebration also features three artists from Germany: Tim Toupet, VoxxClub, and Peter Wackel.
Admission is free on the 5th, 10th, 17th, and 23rd. On the other days, an entrance fee will be charged at 1 PM and 6 PM. The prices range from R$10 (US$1.91) to R$56, and boxes can reach R$800.
The complete schedule and all the details about the purchase of tickets are available on the website oktoberfestblumenau.com.br.
SANTA CRUZ DO SUL (RIO GRANDE DO SUL)
The 37th Oktoberfest of Santa Cruz do Sul, which this year takes place from October 6 to 9, 11 to 16, and 20 to 23, at the Oktoberfest Park, also has two fairs running in parallel:
Feirasul aims to boost the local and Rio Pardo Valley’s economies, and the Family Agribusiness Fair is a space dedicated to local and regional rural families that produce typical homemade food.
There are more than 130 exhibitors, 50 bands, 400 hours of presentations, 40 gastronomy points, and 180 beer breweries.
The program has attractions such as religious worship, artistic presentations of traditionalist groups and delegations, a thematic parade, local bands, active maturity day, choir meetings, and skate championships.
The complete program is available on the site oktoberfestsantacruz.com.br.
Among the most anticipated shows are DJ Alok and Netto & Henrique (October 8), Henrique & Juliano (October 14), Jorge & Mateus (October 15), Thiaguinho, and the duo Israel & Rodolffo (October 22).
Tickets are sold on BlueTicket’s website or at the following points of sale: Casa da CDL in Santa Cruz do Sul, at Trekusliro in Venâncio Aires, or at Cacau Show Centro in Lajeado.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Oktoberfest of Igrejinha, in Vale do Paranhana, recognized as a cultural heritage of Rio Grande do Sul, is in its 33rd edition.
Since the first one, in 1988, 4.5 million liters of draft beer have been consumed. In 2019, there were 214,000 liters.
The event will take place from October 14 to 23. On the 13th, a beer parade precedes the party.
The schedule includes Germanic games, traditional band concerts, artistic performances, and the classic “Besonderetag” (special day for people with disabilities), “Kindertag” (children’s day), and “Seniorentag” (seniors day).
There are also shows by Dilsinho (October 14), Maiara and Maraísa (October 16), Diego and Victor Hugo (October 21), and Zé Neto and Cristiano (October 23).
Tickets can be bought through the website or in person, costing between R$20 (US$3.82) and R$370. Porto Alegre sells them at Benoit stores, at Avenida Assis Brasil, 2522 – Passo da Areia.
More information about the celebration, programming, and ticket purchases can be found on the website oktoberfest.org.br.
IN THE NORTHWEST OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL
The first Oktoberfest in Santa Rosa occurred in 1998 when a group of friends organized a party to bring together the city’s residents to rescue German culture.
Now, in its 23rd edition, it is already considered one of the largest in the state’s northwest region. This year, it takes place from October 7 to 16.
This year’s attractions include the classic parade through the city, the keg game, Germanic games, presentations by typical German dance groups, and a beer in meters contest.
Among the bands confirmed are Indústria Musical (October 7), Portal da Serra (October 8), Brilha Som (October 11), and Rogério Magrão (October 15).
In addition, the party makes it possible to buy draft beer cans in advance. There are 78 available each day of the event, with 30 and 50 liters. For more information, access the website oktoberfestsantarosa.com.br.
With information from GZH