Discover Oktoberfest in Blumenau

Many people don't know that after Munich (Germany), the second largest Oktoberfest beer festival in the world is held in... Blumenau, Santa Catarina state, Brazil.

This small town was built by immigrants from Germany, and today Blumenau remains one of the largest German diaspora communities in the world . Many tourists, after enjoying the sea in Florianópolis, often choose Blumenau as their next destination.

Blumenau is located in the middle of the Vale do Itajaí valley, also known as the "valley of Europe." Its climate and topography are quite similar to those of northern Italy. Each year, Blumenau welcomes over 800,000 visitors, with more than 700,000 attending the Oktoberfest festival. The first Oktoberfest in Blumenau was held in 1984 as a way to lift the spirits of the local people after a historic flood devastated the city.

Oktoberfest Blumenau is held at Parque Vila Germânica (“German Village”), a series of streets designed to resemble an old German town. During the festival (the last three weeks of October), parties are held continuously. Visitors can join the parties for between R$11 and R$60 (50% discount for children, teachers, and people with disabilities), enjoying traditional German food and craft beers. Even better, entry is free on the first and last days of the festival.

Oktoberfest Blumenau is more than just parties. Several other events are held within the festival grounds. There are traditional German entertainments such as Tanzgruppen (traditional team dances), Schützenvereine (shooting competitions)... and the most popular is the beer drinking contest. Each participant receives a 91.4cm long beer mug containing 1.4 liters of beer. The man and woman who finish the mug the fastest wins.

Every evening during the Oktoberfest festival, Blumenau transforms into a grand stage. Artists from German-speaking countries perform right on the streets of Blumenau, alongside stalls selling handicrafts and snacks set up by locals. The final week of the festival also features the Oktoberfest beauty pageant. The winner is crowned "Oktoberfest Queen," while the two runners-up are called "Oktoberfest Princesses." All three are then carried in floats as part of the parade on the morning of the final day of the festival.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/kham-pha-oktoberfest-o-blumenau-701067.html