Beer, buddies and bockwurst at Oktoberfest

IT’S THAT time of year again, the time when beer flows like wine, Afrikaans sounds like German and people go bonkers over bockwurst and pretzel. Oktoberfest is with Nelson Mandela Bay again and the Port Elizabeth German Club is celebrating in their usual style – with a party weekend bar none.

 “Get into the partylaune and experience a traditional Oktoberfest,” said Thomas Fuchs manager of the German Club. “Bring your lederhosen and dancing shoes and enjoy traditional music and the taste of unique German cuisine, along with food specialties from Austria and South Africa – and of course there will be plenty of Hansa Pilsener and South Africa’s favourite beer, Castle Lager, ‘on tap’ at the annual Oktoberfest.”

For over 60 years an active German Club has been keeping the traditions of the local German Diaspora alive in the Bay. Their Oktoberfest is the second biggest in the country after Johannesburg and last year saw over 10 000 revellers sharing ale, oompah music and bratwurst, bockwurst and leberkaese in celebration of German Culture.

 “Germans have travelled all over the world and integrated into communities in those countries, but we contribute to diversity when we retain traditions, culture, practices and food. For those – German tourists or locals interested in German culture – who want to experience South African Germans in action, the Club is the perfect place to do so,” said  Fuchs.

Oktoberfest, hosted by the German Club, takes place from October 14-16 and boasts a Bavarian band, Eisbein or Kassler with Sauerkraut and a “oompah time”. Tickets are on sale now for R70.  Bookings are essential. Call: 041 – 367 2791 to make a booking.