Known as the largest Volksfest (People’s Fair) in the world, Oktoberfest is attended by approximately six million people around the world. Indeed, who isn’t familiar with this popular German celebration? It’s the history behind it that’s not as well-known. Here’s a quick 411:
According to the official site of the city of Munich, it all started with a happy royal event. Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the wedding festivities held on fields that would be later named as Theresienwiese or “Theresa’s fields.” It was the decision to repeat the festivity’s horse races the following year that gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.
The first few decades of the Oktoberfest weren’t as boisterous as the ones we have now. There were few amusements. It was only in 1896 that beer stands were replaced by beer tents. These were set up by entrepreneurial landlords with the backing of breweries. This soon evolved into the expansive Biergartens we have come to associate with the tradition.
Bavarian table setup.
Oktoberfestherzen (gingerbread cookie hearts), one of the most popular treats to give and receive at the festivities.
The Philippines is one of the many countries where Oktoberfest is held. In fact, this year will mark the 77th time Oktoberfest is celebrated on our shores. This year will also mark the 5th year that Oktoberfest is held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
At the press launch of the German Club Manila’s Oktoberfest at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the luxury hotel’s GM, Mr. Adam Laker, mentioned some pretty amazing stats about last year’s celebration. It garnered almost 2000 guests per night for two nights. These revelers consumed over 16, 000 liters of beer, 1, 000 kilos of German sausage, 320 kilos of pork knuckles, and 300 kilos of sauerkraut. Sounds like a resounding success to me!
With the German ambassador Mr. Thomas Ossowski, Sofitel Manila GM Mr. Adam Laker, and German Club Manila president Mr. Klaus Sudhoff.
Imagine a thousand kilos of this! These particular ones are Hungarian and Oktoberfest sausages.
In a nutshell, you can expect gastronomic indulgence and live musical entertainment at Sofitel’s Oktoberfest. There will be limitless towers of beer, music courtesy of the Bavarian Sound Express, exciting raffle prizes, fun games, and a sumptuous Bavarian feast. Have your fill of assorted cold cuts and cheeses, roasted calf, laugen rolls, grilled German sausages, and different cakes, among others. Of course, Oktoberfest wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without beer, so wash these all down with refreshing ice-cold San Miguel beer. (There will be an additional charge for other beer varieties.)
Beer drinking contest with members of the press. Can you guess who won?
Germans in their traditional costumes.
Assorted cold cuts and cheeses. I really loved the Obatzda, a Bavarian cheese delicacy.
A variety of breads plus a delicious and humongous Black Forest cake that I wasn’t able to fit in the frame!
Overflowing beer. There will be a lot of this.
For those who wish to buy tickets and for all other ticket sale-related inquries, please contact the German Club Manila at the details listed below. Here’s a bonus for those who purchase Oktoberfest tickets: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila has special Oktoberfest Room packages from October 16-18, 2015.
- Superior: Php 5,900.00 nett
- Luxury: Php 7,000.00 nett
- Sofitel Suite: Php 12,000.00 nett
Souvenirs.
Don’t know where to celebrate Oktoberfest yet? Why not experience the most authentic Oktoberfest in the Philippines next month at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila? Ein Prosit! 🙂
The 77th Oktoberfest at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
October 16 and 17, 2015
Harbor Garden Tent, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300
German Club Manila (Oktoberfest ticket sales):
Phone – +63 2 894 2899
Email – reservations@germanclub.ph
Sofitel Philippine Plaza (Oktoberfest special room offers):
Phone – + 63 2 551 5555
Email – H6308@sofitel.com
