After a two-year Covid-19 hiatus, the Windhoek Oktoberfest is back with a bang and will this year take place from 27 to 29 October at the Sport Klub Windhoek.

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – is again one of the main sponsors of the event.

The Oktoberfest organising committee says their aim with the fiesta is to put Namibia on the map as they stand for authenticity, culture and heritage, and will try their level best to spread that through various games during the celebrations.

“We want to celebrate who we are as Namibians, and invite everyone to join in that culture. When we say authenticity and purity, we also stand with what we produce in the country – the beautifully-crafted beers,” said Norbert Wurm, one of the organisers.

In 2019, the event accommodated about 6 700 concert-goers, and the team is projecting at least 10 000 participants this year.

“This is going to be a new, better and more exciting event than before. This is a cross-functional effort, and it takes a big team and numerous stakeholders to make this a success,” enthused Wurm.

NBL managing director Marco Wenk said their involvement in the Oktoberfest is about giving back to the community, adding: “We have seen how devastating the pandemic was; it expected us to remain isolated. This is a celebration of resilience”.

A main element of Oktoberfest is the food and beverages, and this year eventgoers can again expect additional food stalls to cater to everyone’s palate. This year’s event includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

The beer bar will again be flowing with the traditional Festbier, a beer brewed exclusively for the Windhoek Oktoberfest.

Paying for food and drinks will again be easy this year. Festivalgoers just have to buy a card at the event, top it up with any amount above N$20, and tap their cards at the different vendors. At the end of the event, one can cash out if there is money left on the card.

In terms of entertainment, visitors can expect the Schuhplatter, which is a traditional style of folk dance popular in the regions of Bavaria and Tyrol. In this dance, performers stomp, clap and strike the sole of their shoes (schuhe), thighs and knees with their hands held flat (platt). 

The official and original Oktoberfest band that always plays at the Oktoberfest in Munich every year, since 1994, will join the Windhoek Oktoberfest to give guests authentic Oktoberfest entertainment.

The Jägermeister Band will also be performing. The South African version of this group has a very unique take on the concept, incorporating local flavour and a spectacular set of South African songs from Mango Groove, Kwesta, Johnny Clegg and the late Mandoza. - psiririka@nepc.com.na