Are you going to visit the drinking festival of our eastern neighbors this year with your friends, girlfriends or family? Super toll!
Everything at Oktoberfest is exactly what you expect, only better! It's mainly a lot of beer and conviviality. Ladies walk around in a dirndl with breasts pushed up and men in lederhosen, just as you thought. The German Schlager music makes the party complete. But how do you survive Oktoberfest as a Dutch person? We give you the best tips to go well prepared.
It is smart to reserve a table in the Netherlands. This prevents running and pushing for a spot at the coveted beer tables. The sooner you do it, the better your chance of a good table. Most beer tents offer beer tables from April. Unfortunately, Oktoberfest is really a party where everyone knows each other. Do you often go to Oktoberfest? Then you will be able to book a table more easily in the coming years.
You can only order food and drinks if you are seated at a table. Don't have a table? Then it is difficult to get a spot. If you are early, there are sometimes still some spots available. But without a reservation wristband, you may not even get into the tent. If you have not made a reservation, the rule is 'first come, first served'. Did you manage to get a table? Then there are a number of (unwritten) rules at a beer table:
At Oktoberfest you stick to the dress code. Besides the fact that many people go to this party to drink, it has a centuries-old tradition with very specific dress codes; you dress in Oktoberfest clothing . The Oktoberfest clothing for men consists of lederhosen . This is perhaps the most famous piece of clothing at Oktoberfest. In addition to lederhosen, you put on a checked shirt and choose long white socks. In addition, you complete your outfit with an Alpine hat.
The Oktoberfest clothing for women consists of aDirndl , also called Heidi dress. This traditional dress, over which you wear an apron, falls to the ankles. Nowadays, there are also shorter versions. A Dirndl is best described as a fusion of a skirt and a sleeveless blouse.
During all the beer drinking there is a lot of flirting. To show whether or not you are open to this the Germans have come up with something; wearing a bow tie. By wearing the bow tie above the right hip you show that you are taken. If you are single and open to a flirt, you wear the bow tie on the left. First time at Oktoberfest? Then wear your bow tie in the middle. That way you show that you are a newbie. A bow tie at the back means that you have just flirted with the waitress for fifteen minutes in vain. ;)
When you think of Oktoberfest, you naturally think of beer. Beer flows freely at Oktoberfest. Not so fond of beer? Then there are plenty of other drinks, such as wine. And yes, you can also order these in mugs. 'Anyone for a liter of wine?' When you order beer, you will get it in a standard 1-liter mug. Wine comes in a normal glass filled to the brim. You can also order 'smaller' beers of half a liter. They also serve soft drinks, for a change. The beer at Oktoberfest is brewed especially for this festival and is often a lot stronger than your normal beer. So take it easy! Chat with your neighbor in between and drink slowly, so that you can keep going all evening.
We hope that these tips will help you prepare for Oktoberfest; have fun!
