Oktoberfest!

I really couldn't go any farther without discussing one of the attractions for which Germany is known for most: Oktoberfest.

The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest Volksfest (a German term meaning a combination of a festival and a carnival) in the world with over 6 million visitors annually. Despite the name, the Oktoberfest starts at the end of September until the first weekend in October. An important part of Bavarian culture, the festival has been held since 1810. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of rides and traditional fare such as Hendl (chicken, usually roasted!), Schweinebraten (German-style roasted pork!), Würstl (sausage!), Knödel (large, round, poached or boiled potato or bread dumplings, made without yeast!) and large quantities of German beer. Gotta have beer at Oktoberfest, yes?

Oktoberfest lasts 16 days, each day resembling one big, drunk party. Many other cities have Oktoberfest celebrations, as well, but are just mere attempts at the German original!

Come experience this world-famous festival that attracts millions of tourists and natives alike each year (if you dare)!

Easter in Germany

Since Easter is quickly approaching, I thought it was appropriate to do a little post about this holiday. In Germany, of course.

The celebration of Easter in Germany is probably one of the most important events of the year. Many of the customs associated with its celebration are actually originally from this country, such as the use of decorated eggs and the Easter bunny.

A few weeks before Easter Sunday in Germany, you can also see in many towns an Easter Market, called Ostermarkt in German, where they sell decorated Easter eggs, chocolate eggs and bunnies, spring ornaments and more Easter crafts. Germans love to decorate their house and garden with Easter decoration. But be careful about chocolate Easter eggs in Germany: many contain alcohol and are not suitable for young kids!

Interestingly enough, many of these Easter decorations come directly from the pagan Frühlingfest's (a spring party) symbols of fertility such as the egg and the rabbits that became the Ostereier (Easter eggs) and the Osterhasen (Easter bunnies). It is the Germans who brought these customs with them when they immigrated to North America. Other German Easter traditions include Easter trees and the Easter fountain, an old tradition designed to celebrate the importance of water as a life giver and its belief that the water that has been blessed on Easter Sunday has special powers.

Frohe Ostern! (Happy Easter!)

Germany: Some Facts

Officially called the Federal Republic of Germany, Germany consists of 16 states, 3 of which are city-states (Hamburg, Berlin, and Bremen). Before we get any farther into the many things Germany has to offer, here are a few basic facts that will get you antiquated with this central European county.

1. Germany exports more goods than any other country in the world.
2. Germany has a low fertility rate. Each woman has, on average, 1.41 children.
3. Christianity is the largest religion in Germany. 64% of the population identify themselves as Christians.
4. German universities charge anywhere from 50-500 euros per semester.
5. The German government is committed to lowering carbon emissions by using renewable energy and supporting sustainable development.
6. Germany shares borders with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.
7. Germany is Europe's largest economy.
8. The Euro is Germany's is the national currency, but it was previously called the German Mark.
9. Traditionally, the schools in Germany end at lunch time. Therefore children are free to utilize the rest of the day in extra curricular activities and sports.
10. Germany is the birthplace of the automobile.

Hopefully, this post has given you a brief background of the type of country Germany is and the unique type of environment it has to offer. This is only the beginning!