Oktoberfest, traditionally a German cultural celebration that takes place from 20 September to 5 October, has taken over the hearts and minds of people all over the world. While it was first marked as a wedding celebration of German royalty, which was celebrated in a field, it has evolved into a cultural wonder filled with traditional Bavarian costumes, parades and a celebration of food, drink and fellowship.
Here in Sri Lanka, Oktoberfest unites countless people, both young and old, as they celebrate friendship, culinary traditions and international culture.
To highlight the magic of the season, The Daily Morning Brunch rounded up a few places where Oktoberfest is celebrated in style.
Colombo proper
The Bavarian
The Bavarian German Restaurant and Pub is perhaps the best-known place for German food in the heart of Colombo. So, it is no surprise that they celebrate Oktoberfest in style. Their Oktoberfest celebrations are held from 9-12 October from 6 p.m. onwards and feature an authentic Oktoberfest buffet with dishes such as pan-seared fish with capers and white wine, seafood pie, and a traditional Hungarian goulash. They also have traditional German desserts like the apple strudel, while also offering a free beverage as part of their Oktoberfest promotion.
The feast, together with the ambience, almost transports you to the streets of the Bavarian capital, Munich, where Oktoberfest is celebrated on a large scale.
Hilton Colombo
Hilton Colombo is raising expectations as it hosts Oktoberfest for the 32nd consecutive year from 6-15 November at the hotel’s Sports Centre Arena. The celebration is set to attract both local and international visitors and feature traditional Bavarian games such as the beverage-drinking competition and Bavarian whip-cracking while also featuring a live oompah band from Germany (oompah bands are German-style brass bands that create a distinctive ‘oom-pah’ rhythmic sound, often associated with Oktoberfest and other festive events) and authentic German food such as German sausages, roast chicken and a mix of German salads to suit both local and international tastebuds.
The celebration will run from 7 p.m. to midnight (from Sunday to Thursday) and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. (on Friday and Saturday).
Waters Edge
Waters Edge has long been one of the go-to spots for Oktoberfest celebrations in Colombo. This year, Waters Edge will host incredible live music from talented local bands such as Avatar and Bulldogs, along with DJ Neeon. This celebration of music and Bavarian traditions will take place from 24-26 October.
The buffet will feature traditional German favourites such as roast chicken and sausages, allowing all who attend a taste of Bavaria.
Around Sri Lanka
Oktoberfest celebrations are not exclusively limited to Colombo. While there have been several Oktoberfest celebrations in Colombo, there are several others outside the city that draw both local and international attention.
Sentido Heritance Negombo
Oktoberfest at Heritance will be held on the 4 and 5 of October from 6 p.m. till midnight and promises to feature a traditional Bavarian feast with culinary goodies such as plate-sized pretzels, pan-fried schnitzel, as well as the famous apple strudel that Oktoberfest is famous for.
The celebration will also feature live performances by local band Cold Sweat and others on 5 October, which will be bound to attract fans of music and the magic of the season. This is an ideal place to spend Oktoberfest, nestled close to a tropical beach, combining Bavarian flavours with a uniquely Sri Lankan ambience.
Angel Beach Sri Lanka, Una Watuna
Another spot that is outside of Colombo, yet promises to feature an amazing Oktoberfest experience, is Angel Beach in Unawatuna. Their Oktoberfest celebration has a unique touch; the celebration starts at 12 noon and goes on till 12 midnight, making it perfect for those of us who are not night owls.
The celebration is to be held on 4 October and will feature live music, traditional Bavarian games and activities, as well as a traditional Oktoberfest spread with meals like roast meat, pretzels and apple strudel.
Traditional German drinks would be served alongside the feast from 7 to 8 p.m.
The meaning of Oktoberfest
While Oktoberfest is a German tradition, its sense of camaraderie (and the food) also unites Sri Lankans who celebrate with their friends and family. “In addition to joining one of the events organised by a hotel, we would usually do a house party for Oktoberfest where we would try to make German-inspired dishes such as roast chicken and potato salad,” Dasith Perera told The Daily Morning Brunch.
“To me, Oktoberfest is about having a drink and good food with a good group of friends,” Savin Vaas Gunawardena said. “While it seems simple, this German festival brings all of us together to socialise and form bonds as well as meet new people, making it special to a lot of people of all age groups.”