South African Breweries (SAB) Oktober Bierfest 2011
Held in Munich, Germany, the traditional and original Oktoberfest, a festival of beer, sees almost 6 million people during its 16-18 day period, which oddly enough, begins in September.
It’s said that an average of 7 million litres of beer (including non-alcoholic beer) are consumed each year. This figure does not include wine, sparkling wine, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water which add up to another impressive 1 400 849.5 litres. As for the toilets, 980 seats, 878 meters of urinals and 17 disabled loos. Just to put your mind at ease. Or not.
And to get you into the spirit of things, click on the video (entirely at your own risk)
I would love to experience the enormity of the Oktoberfest some day, just for thrills, (hopefully no spills) and giggles, but in light of the crushing masses and the lines to the loo, the local Oktoberfest celebrations seemed far less daunting.
I was invited by South African Breweries (S.A.B) to attend this year’s event (Oktober Bierfest) which took place at the brewery in Newlands, Cape Town.
My day allowed me just two hours and by the time we arrived to join our friends, the tent was heaving to the absolute brim with merry partygoers, all benches were occupied and the beer was flowing fountain-freely. A good thing we had someone hold onto seats for us.
The chicken schnitzel, wurst platters and enormous pickles came highly recommended.
For more pictures, visit the Food and the Fabulous Facebook page.
You know, we love beer at Chez Wise, but I am not sure I will ever want to deal with the masses at the real Oktoberfest.
Your event looks (and sounds) like it was a lot of fun and I am pretty sure it was crowded enough to give you the same fest-feel.
I have dealt with the masses (a hilarious pun, seeing as the German word for a 1 litre beer stein is “ein Mass”!) at Munich Oktoberfest for eight years now and I can honestly say it is ALWAYS worth it. I have met the most amazing people, drunk the freshest, loveliest beer, and eaten the best Wiesn hendl (rotisserie chickens) of my life there 🙂 You should come!