Even those who have never visited Germany have probably heard of the Oktoberfest in Munich. The mere mention of this event conjures up image of busty blonde Bavarian barmaids in traditional costumes and thousands of thirsty revelers all competing to see who can drink the most beer and eat the most sausages. For many Americans, of course, as well as people in more remote corners of the world, it’s all a bit far off.
But there is good news for those in the Louisiana area. On the final weekend of September and every weekend during October, New Orleans, specifically the Deutsches Haus in Mid City, celebrates German heritage with its own Oktoberfest. Cue lots of live music, traditional folk dancing and wines and beers associated with Germany and Bavaria. Oktoberfest 2013
It’s all about eating and drinking, a time to cast away those silly summer diets and over-indulge!! No Oktoberfest would be complete without those delicious delights such as Sauerbraten (braised marinated roast beef) and Krautwickel (ground beef stuffing rolled in cabbage) Kasseler Rippchen (smoked pork shank braised in a citrus sauce) and Sauerkraut (pickled cabbage), Bratwurst sausages and giant Bavarian pretzels. And, needless to say, there will be a vast array of German beers to wash it all down. Oktoberfest attracts up to 15,000 visitors every year. Every night during the event, visitors pack the outside courtyard and Biergarten to hear authentic live music. German bands set the beats for traditional dances that often involve knee-slapping, twisting and chanting. Usually held on the first or second weekend of the event, the Oktoberfest parade rolls from Convention Center Boulevard straight to the Deutsches Haus and ends with a party featuring live music, dancing and drinking. Incorporated in 1928, the Deutsches Haus was formed as a benevolent and social organization that evolved from the Deutsche Gesellschaft von New Orleans, a group that provided support for the numerous German immigrants in the New Orleans area. The Deutsches Haus has grown into an organization with a mission to celebrate and foster the rich culture, musical heritage, language and history of the German people.
If you would like to attend NOLA’s Oktoberfest and need a shuttle, limousine or taxi services in New Orleans, want to reach one of the events or need to get to a restaurant or hotel – we can help you. Simply give us a call at (877) 592-2226 and we will take care of the rest.