The air is starting to feel
different and we are all trying to adjust to the end of summer. This year,
instead of jumping straight into the long months of school, work, and overwhelming
schedules, we should all try to kick off the start of autumn in a way that is
bound to make us dance, sing, and laugh, while being a part of a German
tradition.
THIS SATURDAY marks the beginning of Oktoberfest! I’ve found that
it’s really important for people to understand why different holidays are
celebrated in different cultures. Oktoberfest is a (roughly) sixteen-day
festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September to
early October. Oktoberfest began with the Royal Wedding of King Ludwig I and
Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The original “Oktoberfest” occurred
in Munich on October 12, 1810 for the commemoration of their marriage.
Essentially, Oktoberfest is a celebration of a happy royal event that became
one of the largest and most popular traditions in German culture!
The festival has
become one of the most famous events in the city of Munich and the world’s
largest fair—six million people partake in the celebration each year! Other
cities around the world hold Oktoberfest celebrations to enjoy the changing of
the seasons and join in the consumption of traditional German fare and
delicious German beers.
Luckily
for Los Angeles Country Residents, there’s an incredible opportunity to
celebrate this event! Alpine Village in Torrance is home to the oldest
Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California and the longest running
Oktoberfest in Los Angeles. The fun at Alpine Village includes party bands,
German fare, and delicious German brews! Just because beer is involved, doesn’t
mean that the fun is limited to over 21 year olds! Alpine Village caters to all
ages. Fridays and Saturdays are for 21+, but Sundays are for all ages!
Ticket
prices and festival hours are available on the website, but I encourage everyone to look
into it! The first time I went to Alpine Village for Oktoberfest, I was
thirteen years old and my cousin was only five! We had an absolute blast and
return every year to continue in the celebration.
Take a look at their website to
join in on the 200+ years of fun and tradition!
Happy Autumn and Happy Oktoberfest!
-Natalie