OKTOBERFEST beer festival which is celebrated in Munich usually from mid-September until the first Sunday of October was first held in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, eventually Ludwig I, created the festival to celebrate his marriage to Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Ludwig I’s reign may not have lasted long — he abdicated in 1848 amid numerous scandals including overspending, repressive policies, and his many affairs with women including the infamous dancer Lola Montez — but at least Oktoberfest endured and we can continue partying.

Solaire Resort and Casino, in cooperation with the German Club Manila, is bringing the most authentic Oktoberfest in the country at the Tent at Solaire on October 17-19.

“The German Club Manila is excited to celebrate this year’s Oktoberfest celebration once again with Solaire. The previous year broke our records. We look forward to a more dynamic and vibrant celebration of German culture through the Oktoberfest celebration,” Tobias Rast, president of the German Club Manila said during the preview.

Last year, “more than 6,000 guests” attended the Oktoberfest and Solaire is expecting the same number or more to attend this year, according to Michael Dinges, vice presider for culinary at Solaire said.

Guests can expect free-flowing beer, German delicacies, and Bavarian folk music, notably from the Bavarian Sound Express band. A variety of sausages like the weisswurst and an assortment of meats such as pork schnitzel, Swabian red bratwurst, Kasekrainer (an Austrian cheese sausage), and veal sausages, were presented in platters and samplers during a preview at Solaire last week. Classic desserts like the apple and walnut strudel with vanilla sauce and ice cream, and Kaiserschmarn, a dish made of shredded rum raisin pancakes with berry compote and vanilla sauce were served as well.

And what’s an Oktoberfest without beer? Bavarian Weihenstephan beer (from the former royal brewery, no less) will be served during the event, approximately 25,000 liters of it.

“This year’s 81st Oktoberfest will continue to be authentic and put the spotlight on the best of German culture. Following a very successful Oktoberfest celebration last year, we are thrilled to be hosting once again German Club Manila’s Oktoberfest celebrations and look forward to continuing this partnership,” said Knut Becker, Solaire’s Vice-President of food and beverage said during the preview.

“The German Club Manila’s Oktoberfest here at Solaire underscores authenticity… guests will receive an overflowing selection of Germany’s best tastes and flavors, surrounded by the finest Filipino hospitality,” Mr. Becker added.

For tickets to Oktoberfest, check oktoberfest-manila.ph, call The German Club at 818-4236, or e-mail reservations@germanclub.ph. Ticket prices are from P4250 to P7860. Corporate rates and early bird prices are available until October 16.

Solaire Resort and Casino is located at 1 Aseana Avenue, Parañaque City.— JLG

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