Oktoberfest 2011 – Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano;Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza;Villa General Belgrano

Every year the town Villa General Belgrano celebrates the Oktoberfest Argentinian style. More than 50,000 people from everywhere in Argentina come together to enjoy the celebrations.

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano;Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza;Villa General Belgrano
Traditional dances in the streets of Villa General Belgrano.

The first celebrations started in 1964 and has a long history in Argentina. They make their own beer in Villa General Belgrano. It is delicious and they have different flavours including honey, black and red beer. The festival is not just about the beer.It is an event with a long history and not just another Oktoberfest celebration. Yes I agree, it can never compare with the original Oktoberfest in Munich, but this festival has its own flair. Most of the people living in Villa General Belgrano are from European descent including German, Swiss and Hungarian.

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano
Traditional German Beer made in Villa General Belgrano

People pay tribute to their German origin. There are large German communities in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. How do they do it? They dress up and have parades in traditional clothing through the streets of Villa General Belgrano. They serve German food and swallow it down with lots and lots of beer,they make music and they dance. It is fun to watch the bands perform. The men are dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits and their musical instruments bright and shiny. I always enjoy looking at the different kinds of musical instruments and accessories like the good Mullard 12AX7 Preamp Tube at musician’s friend because my grandparents were great musicians and we grew up with music in our house.

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano
Bands and traditional dances in Villa General Belgrano

When do they celebrate it here in Villa General Belgrano?

The festival normally takes place during the first two weeks of Oktober. This year it will be taking place from 30 September to 10 October. The program is normally jam-packed and keeps everyone entertained.

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano 2010
This man is a German descent and an icon in Villa General Belgrano. His motorcycle is famous.

If you get bored with the dances then visit the food stalls where you can buy traditional German food like Frankfurt sausages, the mandatory leber-wurst, smoked pork ribs and the well-known sausages with chucrut. Don´t leave out the dessert and I can definitely recommend the selva negra cake (chocolate sponge cake with cream and morellos fruit) and the Apfelstrudel (apple pie with puff pastry).

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano 2010
A very tasty desert in Villa General Belgrano

When you attend the Beer festival you need to acquire some items. A visit to the beer garden is not complete without a “chopp” (a giant beer mug in either wood or ceramic), which you clip into a belt worn over the shoulder. To top your outfit off you need to get a feathered hat in red, green or yellow and then you are ready to enjoy the festival.

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano
Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano

I have been privileged to attend the festival for the past 3 years. Luckily I don´t have to travel far as we live 12 kms from Villa General Belgrano. Due to my involvement in the Hostel I get to meet a lot of people and every year I enjoy it even more. It is impossible to walk the streets of Villa General Belgrano without getting caught up in the atmosphere.

Oktoberfest Villa General Belgrano
Walking the streets of Villa General Belgrano

I am looking forward to the Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza this year. I have  found a piece of Munich here in Argentina!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBvc-kuj1Vo]

I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

22 Comments

  1. Hi Jim, it is not as huge as the Oktoberfest in Munich but hey these guys know how to party! The beer and food is to die for and I love the way how they incorporate their German heritage with the Argentinian way of life.A festival I always look forward to and it will be here very soon!

  2. Mmmmmm…sounds really fun, Nelieta. It's amazing how cultures get merged, isn't it? 🙂

  3. Looks like a great time for all who attend! I loved the pics…I never knew they celebrated Oktoberfest in Argentina. I always learn something new here!

  4. I look forward to visiting your site because it feels like I am going on a mini holiday. They do like like as if they know how to party. As ever, thank you for the virtual mini break.

  5. Oh what rich culture and traditions you have in Argentina! It reminds me of the same way as Italy complete with the costumes, dances in the streets, beer, etc.I just love celebrations!Why is it called Oktoberfest when it's done in July? :Ploved it 😉

  6. Hi Melissa, I also love celebrations! I can just imagine festivals in Italy! This is the brother of the Oktoberfest in Germany. It is held the first 2 weeks in October. I wrote about it now to start promotions for this coming Oktoberfest because we provide accommodation during this time 🙂

Thank you for visiting. Have a fabulous day!