Oktoberfest

Germany's world-famous Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Prince Ludwig to his beloved Therese. Every year several huge tents with picnic tables are set up in Munich's Theresienwiese, or Therese's Meadow, where local residents and visitors from around the world throw back enormous quantities of beer and sausages.

Even though the festival is named for the month of October, Oktoberfest actually begins in September and runs for 16 days until the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. To the locals, it is not called Oktoberfest, but "die Wies'n", after the colloquial name of the fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) themselves. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the original Munich event.

The Munich Oktoberfest originally took place during the sixteen days up to, and including, the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival would go on until October 3 (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is now 17 days when the first Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1.

Beer is Oktoberfest's main attraction. Several million liters are consumed every year at the affair. Some revelers, of course, have a wee bit too much fun.

Oktoberfest is a time extravaganza of beer, wursts, pretzels, traditional drinking songs and, of course, more beer.

History

Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields were named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's meadow") in honor of the Crown Princess, and have kept that name ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n".

Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.

"The festival was eventually prolonged and moved ahead to September to allow for better weather conditions. Today, the last day of the festival is the first Sunday in October. In 2006, the Oktoberfest extended two extra days because the first Tuesday, October 3, was a national holiday. Over the past 200 years, Oktoberfest was canceled 24 times due to cholera epidemics and war."

To honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, a parade took place for the first time in 1810. Since 1850, this has become an annual event and an important component of the Oktoberfest. Eight thousand people—mostly from Bavaria—in traditional costumes walk from Maximilian Street through the center of Munich to the Oktoberfest grounds. The march is led by the Münchner Kindl.

Tents

There are currently fourteen large tents and twenty small tents at the Oktoberfest. The tents themselves are non-permanent structures which are constructed for and only used during the festival. The beer (or wine) served in each is in the accompanying table.

Oktoberfest recipes

Blaukraut (German braised red cabbage)

Blaukraut, also known as rotkraut or rotkohl, is a popular German side dish. It is most often served with pork, sausages, goose, duck or game and a side of mashed potatoes or potato dumplings. In England, the same dish is called Suffolk red cabbage. 

Kartoffelknödel (German potato dumplings)

Kartoffelknödel figure in the cuisine of most of the regions of Germany, and are a typical side dish with roasted and braised meats. This particular dumpling recipe, using both cooked and raw potatoes, comes from Bavaria. Potato dumplings are also popular in the Czech Republic, where they are known asbramborové knedlíky.

Kartoffelpuffer, or Reibekuchen (German potato pancakes or potato salad)

Two basic types of potato salad are made in Germany. In the north, the potatoes are held together with mayonnaise. In the southern regions of Swabia and Bavaria and in Austria, Kartoffelsalat is mixed with hot broth, oil and vinegar. 

Obatzter (German beer cheese spread)

Obatzter (pronounced "OH-bots-duh") is a Bavarian full-flavored cheese spread. Classic Biergarten fare, Obatzter is especially popular at Oktoberfest celebrations. Also spelled Obazda or Obatzda. Known as angemachter Käse or Gerupfter in the state of Franken. 

Schweinebraten (German roast pork)

Roast pork is a popular Sunday meal in Central Europe. In Germany, Schweinebraten is most often served with braised cabbage or sauerkraut, dumplings and a fine pilsener. In the Czech Republic this dish is known as vepřová pečeně. In Poland, it is called pieczeń wieprzowa. 

Wiener Backhendl (Austrian breaded fried chicken)

Viennese fried chicken has a long history reaching back to the 18th century, when it was much in vogue as a dish for the aristocracy and upper classes. Serve with lemon wedges and parslied potatoes, potato salad or a tossed green salad.Backhendl is also popular in Munich for Oktoberfest. Also known as Backhähnchen or poulet frit à la viennoise. 

Beer

Among the many attractions, the "liquid gold" is probably the most important thing at the Oktoberfest. As usual, over 6 million liters of beer will be drunk this year.

The Bavarian Purity Requirements:

It's no coincidence, that Bavaria has the best beer in the world: Since the 16th century there have been strong regulations about brewing beer and how to keep up the high quality of the final product by choosing the ingredients very carefully. One of the oldest laws concerning food and drink are the Bavarian Purity Requirements, decreed by Duke William IV. in 1516: Only water, hops and barley should be used to brew Bavarian beer.

Who would enjoy Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is the perfect celebration to observe timeless traditions, meet people from all over the world, immerse yourself in new cultures, and eat, drink, and be merry in true Bavarian style.

Although beer appears to be the main event of Oktoberfest, a lot of visitors come for the many other attractions. If giant Ferris wheels, old-fashioned carousels, and wild roller coasters make your heart swoon, then Oktoberfest holds endless delights for you. Children particularly love the rides with fairytale heroes and spooky ghost trains. 

Oktoberfest is famous for its huge beers in heavy steins, but there is more; link arms with locals, swing to the Oompha of Bavarian bands, admire traditional costumes, and get a good helping of German hospitality.

1.  Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries

Watch the landlords of the Oktoberfest beer halls and the Oktoberfest breweries make their festive entry to the Theresienwiese, the annual location of the festival. The parade displays historic horse-drawn carriages, traditionally decorated floats, and all Oktoberfest bands.

• When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 21st, 2013; 10:45 a.m.
• Where: From Sonnenstraße/ Schwanthalerstraße to Theresienwiese

2.  Opening Ceremony of the Oktoberfest

Celebrate the official opening ceremony of Oktoberfest: At noon sharp, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer with the traditional cry "O`zapft is!" ("It is tapped!"), followed by a 12 gun salute. After that, all Oktoberfest beer halls are allowed to tap their beer kegs, and Oktoberfest gets into full swing...

• When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 21st, 2013; at noon (come as early as 9 a.m. if you want to have a good seat.) 
• Where: In the Oktoberfest tent called "Schottenhamel".

3.  Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade

This Oktoberfest parade is one of the best and most colorful displays of Bavarian history, culture, and tradition; watch regional costume groups, "troops" in historical uniforms, marching bands, riflemen, thoroughbred horses, and even oxen, cows, and goats pass by in a 3-mile long procession. 
The parade leads through Munich's city center and boasts more than 7000 performers, showcasing ribboned trees, harvest garlands, and historic craftsmen's tools.

• When: First Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 22nd, 2013; 09:45 a.m. 
• Where: Max II Landmark - Maximilianstraße - Odeonsplatz - Pacellistrasse - Karlsplatz-Stachus - Sonnenstraße - Schwanthalerstraße - Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz - Theresienwiese

4.  Open-Air Oktoberfest Concert

Enjoy a big open-air concert with all Oktoberfest bands; more than 400 Bavarian musicians play it up on the steps of the impressive Bavaria statue, one of the biggest bronze statues in the world.

• When: Second Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 29, 2013; 11:00 a.m. (If the weather is bad, the concert will take place one week later.) 
• Where: At the Bavaria statue, located at the border of Theresienwiese.

4th of July

On July 4, 1776, Americans claimed their independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream.

History

In 1775, people in New England began fighting the British for their independence. On July 2, 1776, the Congress secretly voted for independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was first published two days later on July 4, 1776. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was on July 8, 1776. Delegates began to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. In 1870, Independence Day was made an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, it became a paid holiday for them.

The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States. However, the term "Independence Day" was not used until 1791.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence and presidents of the United States, died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the adoption of the declaration. It is also important to note that Native Americans lived in the country and each tribe had its own nation and government prior to the European settlers.

How is it celebrated?

Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games.

Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot.

Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of their country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans. The Statue of Liberty is a national monument that is associated with Independence Day.

Public life

Independence Day is a federal holiday. If July 4 is a Saturday, it is observed on Friday, July 3. If July 4 is a Sunday, it is observed on Monday, July 5. Government offices and schools are closed. Some businesses may be closed as well. In some years, many employees use a proportion of their vacation days to create a long weekend. This can cause congestion in some places, particularly towards popular holiday destinations.

There are many public events, parades, shows and fireworks displays. This may cause local disruption to traffic. Public transit systems do not usually operate on their regular timetables.

Mexican Independence Day

Every year on September 16th, the people of Mexico celebrate the day that they gained independence as a country. Find out more about this important holiday!

History

In the year 1500, Spain conquered Mexico and named it New Spain. Life was hard under Spanish rule and many of the native Mexicans (Mayas and Aztecs) were forced into slavery. More than 300 years later, on September 16, 1810, in the early hours of September 16th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato, started a revolt against the Spanish, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico's War of Independence. The Spanish were finally defeated in 1821 and now Mexican Independence is celebrated every year in town squares across Mexico to remember the beginning of the struggle for freedom.

How is it celebrated?

Mexican Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico. Much like the Fourth of July in US, people celebrate with food, songs, fireworks, and of course a day off school.

The largest Independence Day celebration takes place in Mexico City's Zocalo, which is decorated from the beginning of September with red, white and green lights and Mexican flags. On the 15th, at 11 pm the President of the Republic goes out onto the central balcony of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), rings the bell (the same bell Hidalgo rang in 1810, brought to Mexico City in 1886) and cries to the people gathered in the square below, who enthusiastically respond "¡Viva!"

  

This is the version often said by the President of Mexico in the national commemorative activity in the National Palace or at the church in Dolores Hidalgo. Local leaders can adapt this to their respective circumstances from the state to the municipal or city level. Again, these are the words being said by the President of Mexico in the national activity on the very evening on eve of Independence Day.

    Mexicans!

    Long live Hidalgo!

    Long live Morelos!

    Long live Josepha Ortiz de Dominguez!

    Long live Allende!

    Long live Galena and the Bravos!

    Long live Aldama and Matamoros!

    Long live National Independence!

    Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico!

    Long live the heroes that gave us the Fatherland!

At the end of the third - Long Live Mexico! - the crowd goes wild waving flags, ringing noisemakers and spraying foam. Then fireworks light up the sky as the crowd cheers. Later the Mexican national anthem is sung.

Parade

The celebrations continue on the 16th with civic ceremonies and parades the largest taking place in Mexico City, but perhaps the most touching festivities are those in small communities in which school children of all ages participate.

Food

Like most festivities, certain foods are considered representative of Independence Day. A favorite is pozole, a soup made of hominy and pork. Other foods have the colors of the Mexican flag - red white and green, like chiles en nogada. And of course, it just wouldn't be a party without plenty of mezcal and tequila.

Carnivals around the world

Carnivals

Believe it or not, but February is the most festive time of the year. Why? Because of the carnivals happening world-wide! The festivities typically include lively parades, rich foods, and different forms of entertainment.

Many different theories surround the origins of Carnival. Some suggest that it is derived from the Latin expression “carne vale”, which means “farewell to meat”, signifying that those were the last days when one could eat meat before the fasting of Lent. Others believe that the celebrations were a way to scare away evil spirits, there by saying goodbye to winter and welcoming spring.

There are hundreds of carnivals across the world, but there are a select few that have proved to be the most spectacular ones.

American carnivals

           Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most famous carnival in South America takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from Feb 18th - 21st, and attracts people from all over the world. One of the highlights of this is the samba parade competition, in which samba schools from different neighborhoods of the city take part. They each choose a different theme each year and spend all year practicing their music and dancing, and preparing their costumes and floats. There are also street carnivals in different parts of the city with bands and dancers wearing all sorts of elaborate costumes, as well as balls and dance parties where dressing up is very much encouraged.

                       New Orleans, USA

Mardi Gras is a popular American festival that started during the mid-1800s. It is another festival, in which American citizens take part to show their respect and support to the existence of the various cultures in the city. The color scheme is always purple, green and gold symbolizing justice, power and faith accordingly. It starts after Twelfth Night, on Epiphany (January 6). A masked ball is held each year to mark the occasion. Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French), the day before Ash Wednesday. There is usually at least one parade every night starting two Fridays before Mardi Gras. Inexpensive strings of beads and toys have been thrown from floats to parade-goers since at least the late 19th century. More than four million people typically visit New Orleans during Carnival and Mardi Gras each year.

                        Azuero, Penonme, and Panama City, Panama

Carnival celebrations are held all over Panama, with the largest in Azuero, Penonme, and Panama City, the capital. These celebrations are huge parties with parades, music, dancing and amazing costumes. One particular Panamanian tradition is the throwing of water at one another, the ‘mojadera’, which is both lots of fun and a great way to keep cool (so leave your best clothes at home!). In 2013 these carnivals will take place between Feb 18th - 21st.

  

                       El Callao, Venezuela

Each February a large carnival takes place in El Callao in the Venezuelan state of Boliva, featuring a mixture of music and costumes from Venezuela, the West Indies and the French Antilles. There are also carnivals in other parts of Venezuela, including “Los Tambores de Bariovento” and Trinidad.

            

                        Barranquilla, Colombia

UNESCO honored the carnival of Barranquilla by declaring it a World Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is the most-awaited festival of the year by all who wish to enjoy four days of a cultural and folkloric event characterized by ethnic diversity, merriment, dance, music, and entertainment.

The Carnival of Barranquilla begins four days before Ash Wednesday and reaches its climax the following Saturday during the Batalla de las Flores (battle of the flowers), where the gaiety and color of the Colombians come face to face in a unique battle of color, flowers, beauty, and peace.

It is the best example of a triple cultural fusion (European, African, and Indian) in which the Catholic festivities brought by the Spaniards from the Old World blended with aboriginal ceremonies and the musical heritage of African slaves to become a spectacular folk festivity.