Oktoberfest Blumenau is more than a festival; it embodies the city’s German roots and fosters community spirit. Established in 1984 after a devastating flood, the festival was organized to revitalize the local economy and celebrate German heritage. This vibrant Blumenau event attracts over 700,000 attendees each year to celebrate cultural ties with a unique blend of tradition, music, and cuisine.

After Munich, this cultural event is the second-largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world, capturing the spirit of both Brazilian flair and German tradition, which sets it apart.

Blumenau’s Oktoberfest Celebration Venue:

Blumenau is a city in Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina state, discovered by German chemist and pharmacist Hermann Blumenau. After that, Oktoberfest was organized in this beloved city to celebrate German culture.

Parque Villa Germanica:

Inspired by the famous Munich Oktoberfest in Germany, Blumenau’s festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience rich Bavarian traditions while immersing themselves in this biggest celebration. The festive atmosphere features lively music and dance performances, Bavarian delicacies, and beer gardens similar to the original event.

The event park is transformed into a festival ground with colorful decorations, bustling beer halls, and vibrant outdoor spaces. This authenticity of the setting creates an environment that feels both festive and familiar to those with German roots. To create an actual Bavarian atmosphere, the event is decorated with motifs such as pretzels and beer mugs, and floral arrangements are made. 

At Oktoberfest Blumenau, the music is a vibrant mix of traditional German tunes and lively performances. The festival features various bands playing polkas, folk songs, and oompah music, allowing visitors to experience the festive spirit.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of German-inspired dishes accompanied by German and local craft beers.

Location: R. Alberto Stein, 165-249 - Velha Blumenau, 89036-200 Brazil

Date: 09 Oct 2024 - 27 Oct 2024

Tickets: Flexible Ticket prices range from around $22. There is also free admission and a ticket half-price option for specific conditions. Click here to buy a ticket.

Traditional Offerings at the Oktoberfest Blumenau

The festival typically runs for 18 days in October, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music, special performances, and, of course, beer, celebrating the rich German culture that influences the city.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances:

The celebration showcases traditional German music, including polkas and folk tunes, performed by local and international bands. The Blumenau Stadtkapelle, a prominent dance band, often plays arrangements that blend authentic German melodies with Brazilian flair.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in traditional dances such as polkas, which combine rhythm, quick steps, and hops. These dances are often performed in pairs or groups, engaging the audience and inviting participation.

A traditional folk dance from Bavaria, Schuhplattler is a great attraction among visitors, where dancers clap their hands and slap their thighs and shoes in rhythm.

Bavarian Food and Quality Beer:

Oktoberfest Blumenau features a variety of culinary delights and beverages, offering you a taste of German recipes in Brazil. Oktoberfest specialties like bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, port knuckle, and dessert, black forest cake, and apple strudel are available here alongside Brazilian flavors.

These dishes are best complemented with German beers, allowing visitors to indulge in festivities fully. A wide selection of Brazilian beer from popular brands like Brahma, Eisenbahn, and Das Bier is served. The festival allows its attendees to enjoy classic German styles, including lagers and wheat beers. 

Festive Munich-Style Ambiance:

The interior of Oktoberfest Blumenau is adorned with traditional colors, floral elements, and Bavarian flags that reflect the authentic roots of the festive. Spacious beer tents, like the larger tents in Munich Oktoberfest, provide seating for thousands, where guests can enjoy food and drink while socializing. There are also designated stages that host live performances from bands, and the layout encourages interaction among attendees, fostering a sense of camaraderie and communal spirit.

Family-Friendly Activities:

The event features amusement rides that cater to children and families, providing fun and excitement. Families can engage in culture, such as craft markets, exhibitions, and numerous contests. Colorful parades with floats and performers entertain all ages and add to the festive, friendliest atmosphere.

Special Events and Competitions:

Fritz and Frida are iconic characters at the Oktoberfest Blumenau. In folk costumes, they embody the festival's spirit and attract visitors. Their presence highlights the festival's commitment to celebrating German heritage with their special characters like "Vovó e Vovô Chopão" (Grandma and Grandpa Chopão, "Big Beer"), who serve as the festival’s mascots.

A unique shooting match is part of the festivities. It typically involves participants using air rifles to hit targets, showcasing marksmanship skills.

Tent contestants compete in terms of posture, communication, beauty, and friendliness for the title Queen of Oktoberfest.

The National Competition of Chopp in Meter Drinkers in which participants must drink one meter of beer, served in a tulip glass, without taking the glass off the mouth or spilling any drink.

Dress Code for Oktoberfest in Blumenau

At this big cultural event in Blumenau, the dress code is centered around traditional German attire. Men typically wear lederhosen, knee-length leather shorts often paired with suspenders. Women usually opt for dirndls, a traditional dress consisting of a fitted bodice, a skirt, and an apron. 

These premium Oktoberfest wear adds to the festival's authenticity and allows attendees to fully immerse themselves in the celebration of German culture. 

Tips for Having the Best Oktoberfest Experience in Blumenau

• Secure your stay months in advance and get to the festival early to avoid large crowds.
• Many vendors prefer cash, so take enough with you as ATMs are usually far away.
• Enjoy Bavarian dishes to complement your beer, and dress yourself in traditional attire for an authentic experience.