This O(k)tober(fest)

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White sausages and golden pretzels displayed on a wooden board on a red and white checkered tablecloth. Also included is a blue lidded pot, a serrated knife, and a threek.
Are those sausages supposed to look like they’re undercooked? RitaE via pixabay

Did you know you can celebrate Oktoberfest without travelling to Germany?

As autumn kicks off with crispy leaves and a chill in the weather, the streets of Regina come alive with the spirit of Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival that originally made its mark in Munich, Germany in 1810.

This festival has found a special place in many people’s hearts around the globe, and Regina is no exception. The celebration of this festival involves craft beer tastings, traditional dancing, and live music. In Regina, the live music combines German heritage with Regina’s local charm, love, and community; bringing everyone together and creating a sense of community and joy. 

The story which started this tradition in the entire world was the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, according to Britannica Encyclopedia. The celebration of their marriage involved a lot of activities, including horse races and a large feast, which were so successful that they became an annual event for the people residing there. 

Over time, the celebration has undergone many changes, like bringing in agricultural shows, carnival rides, and beer tents. Now, Oktoberfest is a festival broadly associated with Bavarian culture, something that people can immerse themselves in while they enjoy traditional German foods like bratwurst and pretzels. Some people even dress traditionally for the occasion, especially if they plan to celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

According to I Am Expat, traditional German clothing is referred to as Tracht, and while it used to indicate social status, nowadays, it represents German culture and pride. Women’s outfits include the Dirndl. A Dirndl includes a dress with a bodice, skirt, shirt, and apron. Men’s outfits include Lederhosen, which are leather trousers, and “the complete outfit usually also consists of a classic shirt (usually white or checked) or a sweater made of linen or wool, suspenders, wool stockings, a jacket, a hat and country shoes.” 

In Regina, people continued this celebration with different festivities across the city. Starting with the Regina German club, Oktoberfest was celebrated Oct 4 and 5 this year. Oktoberfest Auftakt started at 6 p.m. Oct 4 with a cocktail and kickoff dinner featuring German cuisine and was followed by the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition at 9 p.m.. The event was hosted at 1727 St. John Street. 

The next day continued the celebration as Oktoberkinderfest, which ran from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. including fun activities and entertainment for families and children of all ages. The event featured a craft table, a petting zoo, and a special raffle basket for kids. This was the only event hosted by the Regina German Club where admission was free for Oktoberfest, the other days for the celebration of this festival had an entry fee to enjoy the activities. 

The Oktoberkinderfest was followed by Oktoberfest on the same day. Oktoberfest included German cuisine, beer, and performances that filled the air with upbeat tunes and festive dances, transporting attendees to the heart of Munich. 

The Regina German Club has also hosted Oktoberfest-themed fundraisers, like the Regina Rochdale NDP Oktoberfest Fundraiser held on Sept 14. Local businesses and restaurants also joined the fun with Rebellion Brewery hosting beer tasting events showcasing special Oktoberfest-themed brews. 

These events highlighted Regina’s embrace of Oktoberfest traditions, offering attendees a chance to explore and enjoy something unknown to the usual Canadian culture through music, dance, food, and beer. Oktoberfest in Regina has proved to be more than just a celebration of beer and Bavarian culture. Instead, it was a vibrant reminder of the city’s ability to come together and celebrate community. As the final notes of the folk music faded, Oktoberfest in Regina had successfully brought a taste of Munich to the prairies, leaving attendees eagerly awaiting next year’s activities. 

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