Latest news Brass music instead of samba: Brazil's Oktoberfest opens in Blumenau

One of the world's most famous Oktoberfests has opened in the Brazilian city of Blumenau with the traditional tapping ceremony. The 39th edition of the German folk festival in the city of 360,000 inhabitants lasts 19 days. Until October 27, 600,000 visitors are expected to enjoy German folk music and plenty of beer on the grounds of the Parque Vila Germânica. It is said to be the largest Oktoberfest on the American continent and one of the most famous festivals in Brazil.

Typical German specialties such as spaetzle, pretzels, stuffed baked potatoes and bratwurst are on the menu. A freshly tapped 0.4-liter beer (Portuguese: Chope, pronounced: Schoppi) costs between 15 and 21 reais (2.50 euros to 3.50 euros), depending on the type.

Bavarian costume instead of flip-flops desired

Those who come to the festival in typical Bavarian costume pay a reduced entrance fee. The organizers' website shows what traditional costume should look like. A few rules must be observed to ensure "that tradition is respected". Wearing flip-flops, sandals, sports shoes or football socks will not be accepted, it said.

Founded in 1850 by the German immigrant Hermann Otto Blumenau, Blumenau in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina is considered one of the "most German cities" in Brazil. In 2017, it was officially named the "national beer capital" by the Brazilian government. During the celebrations, there will also be traditional parades through the streets of the city center.

200 years of German immigration

Brazil is also celebrating 200 years of German immigration this year. The first settlers arrived in the South American country in 1824. And it is not only Blumenau that has numerous half-timbered houses with German traces. Other places in Santa Catarina and in the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul still retain many German traditions and dialects. Today, an estimated six million Brazilians have German ancestors.