by Lena Gidwani
Bigger. Better. Longer. And no, we’re not referring to the size of the sausages. Guangzhou’s annual Oktoberfest, now in its ninth year, is perhaps the most awaited event on every expat’s calendar. Unlimited beer, traditional German fare, a merchandise store, nine days of the most authentic Bavarian revelry in South China, a colossal beer tent, live music, sexy dirndls and B.Y.O.L. (Bring Your Own Lederhosen)… what more can one ask for? Oh, and this year, it’s actually in October at a brand-new location!
Jurrien Bongers, Director of Food and Beverage at China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, is optimistic for this year’s edition. “Oktoberfest is really a great chance to bring the German and local community together to share our food, culture and beer. Last year, we had a record turnout and this year, we expect even bigger numbers, especially due to our new, larger venue at the Fashion Trade Center." This is the ninth consecutive year the event will be organized by China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, in conjunction with the German Chamber of Commerce in South & Southwest China and the German Consulate General in Guangzhou.
Oliver Regner, Executive Director of the German Chamber, is equally enthusiastic. “We’re fortunate to have loyal sponsors like TÜV Rheinland, Herrenknecht, Lufthansa and Losberger, amongst others, who have supported this fabulous event for so many years. We look forward to welcoming all of you this October at the tent, beer in hand!."
Oktoberfest enthusiasts take their beer and their music seriously. Seriously. It’s not uncommon to see the crowd go wild with excitement when veteran bandleader Hans Jörg Dellacher from the Münchner Musikanten Company, who’s been entertaining the frenetic masses since its early days, belts out a Canto-pop favorite or starts the Chicken Dance. It’s pretty intense stuff, so party poopers, be warned. If you can handle the enormity and insanity, the reward is grand. Just don’t expect to remember much the next day.
// The 9th Annual Oktoberfest will be held at the Fashion Trade Center (FTC) opposite China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel, from Oct 11-19, from 6.30-11pm. Tickets are RMB348 per person and are available at the Oktoberfest Brauhaus located at the second floor Bar, at China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel. You can win tickets to this year's Guangzhou Oktoberfest by going to www.gzoktoberfest.com and answering a few questions. For tickets/information, email David Nebehay at david.nebehay@marriotthotels.com or call 186 2090 9061.
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