Brazil hosts the world's second biggest Oktoberfest in the world! Every October, Blumenau transforms into a destination for beer lovers. For a full 18 days, around 700,000 people travel to the Oktoberfest Blumenau to celebrate with authentic German food and beer on the tap. Quirky characters like "Fritz," "Frida," and the beloved "Grandma and Grandpa," and the rocking concerts make the Oktoberfest celebration Blumenau uniquely grand. The Oktoberfest Blumenau ambiance is fun and vibrant.
History of Oktoberfest in Blumenau
The city of Blumenau has a strong German influence. The Oktoberfest Blumenau was founded in 1850 by a group of German immigrants led by Hermann Bruno Otto Blumenau. Today, it's home to around 700,000 people, many of whom trace their roots back to Germany. After a devastating flood in 1984, Blumenau hosted its first Oktoberfest to lift the city's spirits and economy.
Over 100,000 people attended Parque Vila Germânica to enjoy traditional German music, beer, and activities like folk dancing and shooting competitions. The festival became an annual tradition, bringing joy and economic growth to the community.
Oktoberfest Blumenau Locations & Timings
Unlike the Munich Oktoberfest, which kicks off in mid-September, the Blumenau Beerfest celebration in Brazil takes place in October. The venue for this Oktoberfest celebration is Parque Vila Germânica in the Bairro da Velha neighborhood. The festivities start at 6 PM on weekdays and 11 AM on weekends.
Admission is free on opening day and the last day of the festival. Anyone who enters the venue in traditional Bavarian attire (lederhosen and dirndl) can access the venue for free! Otherwise, the admission fee is between R$12 and R$40, roughly $3 to $12 USD.
- Oktoberfest Blumenau Address: R. Alberto Stein, 199 - Velha, Blumenau - SC, 89036-900, Brazil
- Oktoberfest Blumenau Timings: October (18 days celebration)
The Cultural Offerings at Oktoberfest in Blumenau
Being the second largest and the best Oktoberfest venue from around the world, Oktoberfest Blumenau offers everything Bavarian.
Bavarian Food and Beer
Blumenau Oktoberfest is the heaven on earth in Brazil for people who love German food. Guests can enjoy traditional German dishes such as Currywurst, Bratwurst, Eisbein (pork knuckle), and Blumenau sausage spätzle. Food stalls offer Apfelstrude and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake) for the dessert. The event organizers mainly include the food vendors who offer authentic tastes of Bavarian cuisine that are passed down through generations.
Beer is as popular in Brazil as it is in Germany. Blumenau's Oktoberfest features regional brewers such as Eisenbahn and Schornstein. Additionally, imported German beers from well-known brewers like Spaten Munich and Erdinger are available in the festival beer tents. Long communal tables within the tents allow guests to Prost (cheers) and sing with others.
The Traditional Musical Entertainment
The traditional German musical performances and dances keep the attendees entertained! The beer festival celebration in Brazil features musical performances by local and international bands. The captivating musical numbers set the stage on fire, compelling the attendees to join in traditional German dances.
The Colorful Oktoberfest Parade
The Oktoberfest parade marches into the streets of Blumenau. Vila Germânica Park is the march's starting point, and it concludes at XV de Novembro Street. During the celebration, there is dancing, music, excitement, and cool draft beer. In Blumenau, this procession promotes German culture. Cultural parades are attended by clubs, bands, folklore groups, floats, friends, and visitors who want to share the festival's history and experience a strong sense of connection with Bavarian customs.
Competitions and Contest at Oktoberfest
The national beer drinker competition is held at the Blumenau Oktoberfest as an annual tradition. It is called "Chope em Metro" in Portuguese (meter beer chugging contest). A meter-long glass of chopp, or Brazilian draft beer, is used for the beer, and the first person to complete without spilling any wins.
The guidelines are straightforward:
- you are not allowed to leave the glass on the ground, drop beer off the table, or take your lips away from the drink.
- There is a winner every competition night, and the person with the fastest time throughout all competition days in both suits—male and female—is declared the winner after the tournament.
The Special Events at Oktoberfest Blumenau
The organizers of Oktoberfest Blumenau add their twist to this Beerfest celebration by including different events.
The Festival’s Official Mascots
Unlike in Germany featuring Fritz" and "Frida, the festival's official mascots are Vovó e Vovô Chopão or Grandma and Grandpa Chopao. The Oktoberfest Blumenau parade float also features the life-size colorful Vovó e Vovô Chopão, all dressed to welcome you to the Beer festivities.
Oktoberfest Royal Peagents
Oktoberfest Blumenau holds a competition for Oktoberfest Royalty, elevating the conversation to a new level. One lady is elected Oktoberfest Queen each year, while two more are crowned as Oktoberfest Princesses. Every year, on the final Sunday of the celebration, ten candidates are chosen to become the next queen. They compete in posture, communication skills, friendliness/sympathy, and attractiveness.
The royal pageant was formed by the Queen and two princesses, and it took the name Oktoberfest Blumenau around all corners of the world, including Brazil. The queen and two princesses carry tradition, joy, and Germanic culture in their suitcases, which is always reflected and striking in the city and at the festival.
Dress Code for Oktoberfest in Blumenau
The traditional Bavarian Clothing is appreciated at the Oktoberfest Blumenau. Many of the guests can be spotted wearing lederhosen and dirndl dresses. To look adequately dressed for the Oktoberfest Blumenau 2024 celebration, it is recommended to shop for authentic lederhosen from “Lederhosens” made from genuine leather. Accessorize this Bavarian look with the trachten shirt, Bavarian Haferl shoes, and Loferl socks.
Women can grab elegant dirndl dresses with premium fabrication and dress in a blouse and nice shoes. Grab Oktoberfest sets at discounted prices to get your hands on authentic Bavarian clothing at an affordable price!!
Tips to Enjoy Oktoberfest Blumenau
- Beer is the heart and soul of Oktoberfest Blumenau festivities, but drinking responsibly is important.
- For a secure trip home, consider using ride-sharing, shuttles, or public transit.
- To enjoy Blumenau Beerfest the most, wear traditional clothing, such as a dirndl for ladies and Lederhosen for men.
- Take pictures in traditional clothing as a keepsake of Oktoberfest Blumenau.