Oktoberfest 2012: Best of Bavaria

Where can you find whole five days of fanfare, festivities and frolic with the best of the ‘wursts’ sizzling away, the frothiest of brews brimming over, and a whole lot of ‘oompah’ going on – Oktoberfest of course.

The greatest of all things Bavarian come together in one fantastic fair as Oktoberfest Colombo lifts off in style from 17 to 21 October 2012 at CR&FC grounds, starting at 6 p.m. daily, sponsored by CR&FC, Yes FM, Elephant House, Mount Lavinia Hotel and SriLankan Airlines.  There will be music and mayhem for the whole family to enjoy with plenty of food and drink; games for the old and the young and live bands to dance the night away to.

Known as the largest ‘People’s Fair’ in the world, Oktoberfest is a 16-day festival celebrating all things Bavarian held annually in Munich, Germany. One of the most famous events in the country more than 6 million people from around the world attend the festivities every year to celebrate this important part of Bavarian culture – a tradition joyfully maintained since 1810.

Numerous similar events using the name Oktoberfest in Germany and around the world now take place; many of which were founded by German immigrants or their descendants. Joining many cities across the world that now holds such events to enjoy the festivities, Oktoberfest will be kicking up a storm of fun in Colombo this year too.

The CR&FC grounds in Colombo will come alive with carnival style atmosphere with a large marquee set up for the bands to take centre stage. Stalls of festive fare offering the best of traditional Bavarian delights will also keep the revellers sated. Authentic German cuisine from Mount Lavinia Hotel will of course include all the must have Oktoberfest specialities:  the choicest of traditional German sausages, Pork roasts and Pork knuckles, Sauerkraut and many other delicacies. In addition spirits will be kept at high levels with a vast range of speciality brews and beverages on tap – to celebrate Oktoberfest in its truest form.

In keeping with heritage, live music will be provided by the traditional Bavarian ‘Oompah’ band Waidigel 7, a troupe of musicians who are as unique as their name and their style of entertainment which aims to provide a pure party atmosphere. Comprising traditional brass band, modern big band sounds and bravura solos that blare out latest hits in their own way, they believe in a healthy mix of entertainment in the form of music. As they state “Our biggest concern is to give people joy in the music and fun on stage, so that each evening will be a success with us.”

Waidigel 7 will take centre stage for all five days of the festival. Two local bands – Black and Crossroads will also be performing to bring additional party cheer with their own style of music as well.

A host of unusual games typical of Oktoberfest will also keep the action going: barrel rolling, hammer strength testing, brew drinking and a host of others are planned for the whole family to enjoy. In addition, firework displays every night will bring more sparks to the carnival buzz.

So it’s time to hunt out the Bavarian costumes: dress up in Dirndl or Lederhosen, don the Bavarian hats and say ‘Prost’ (that’s cheers) to Oktoberfest and join in the celebrations at CR&FC grounds from 17 to 21 October for heaps of hot food, barrels of cool brews and some great high jinks to remember: a feast of a festival not to be missed.