Before Halloween is here, there’s another not-so-spooky way to celebrate the fall: the German holiday of Oktoberfest!
While you're looking forward to dressing up in a costume and nearly getting a cavity from the candy intake, you can don knee socks and feast on bratwursts and beer.
In its native Bavaria, Germany, Oktoberfest is traditionally celebrated for 16 days, and this year the fun goes from Sept. 22—Oct. 7. It is one of the most spirited celebrations in Germany, and is a huge part of Bavarian culture.
The first Oktoberfest was in 1810, as part of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding festivities, and has continued ever since.
Largo's First Friday (Oct. 5) is an Oktoberfest! The fun street festival runs from 6 until 11 p.m. by O'Shy's Irish Tap House.
Oktoberfest sends lots of Americans to the store to stock up on sausages and spirits during the celebration. Check out some native German recipes like sauerkraut and potato pancakes or unique beers during the 16-day celebration, they'll have your taste buds saying “danke schön”! You can also try your hand at grilled bratwurst with German potato salad. Finishing off the meal with a German apple strudel is also sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Want to sit down for some German food? A couple of options in Largo are German Bistro 2 and the German Deli and International Wurst Haus. Let us know in the comments, if you have other favorites around Largo in the comments.
And of course, you can’t say auf wiedersehen to Oktoberfest without a proper polka. Here are some polka dance moves and a tutorial that will make you the toast of the celebration.
TELL US: How are you going to celebrate Oktoberfest? Do you have any favorite Oktoberfest foods?
