Oktoberfest | Tradicional and cultural event
Since 1964 the Oktoberfest -National Beer Party- has been taking place in Villa General Belgrano, a little German village in Córdoba. This is a German celebration, as German are the inhabitants of this mountain town. The aim of the fest is to celebrate beer and have fun while eating tradicional food. This pagan ritual started more than five centuries ago in Munich to honour a foamy goddess who enters the boady as an icy river and takes over the spirit. Although the queen of the party is the spirituous drink in all its ways and brands you can also enjoy tradicional cuisine in the stands located in the beer hall. The different people that live in Villa General Belgrano (Scottish, Danish, German, Swedish, Portuguese, Yugoslavian, Canarian, Italian, Brazilian and Ukrainian) parade along the streets.
In the afternoons people gather and rise their "chops" trying to catch some of the beer river that jumps from the recently open barrels. Tradition says that drinking from those barrels brings good luck. After that another parade begins and everyone in taking part in Oktoberfest dance in the streets soking wet in beer.
One of the main activities of the festival is the Beer Queen contest, one of the preset candidates from the diferent communities is crowned.
Although the festival is carried out in October, dates vary year to year, so if you want to take part in it you must check what the dates are at any tourist agency or website befote planning your trip. Booking must be done with enough time, since it is difficult to find last minute loddging.
It is not necessary to worry about the climate, since spring in the mountains is quite pleasant. Light clothes and a coat will do.
