MAASTRICHT. The image of people, strolling around the city, all wearing so-called “Dirndl” and “Lederhosen”, the German “Tracht”, is usually connected to one wide-known special event: the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. This fair has its roots in 1810, when Ludwig von Bayern married Princess Therese, but this fact is rarely remembered. The Oktoberfest has rather evolved to be THE German tradition and people all over the world travel to be part of this three-weeks-lasting party.
Last week Tuesday and Wednesday, people in Tracht where to be found in Maastricht, as well. From the late afternoon on, more and more of them were flocking towards D’n Hiemel, where some engaged Munich organized an Oktoberfest-Warm-up party, lasting for two days. They regarded the tiniest details and restructured the location so far that when being inside, it was hard to remember you were still in Maastricht. The room was filled with folding tables, on which there were Pretzels and cheese to be found. Moreover, there were tablecloths in the colors of the Bavarian flag - white and blue. And of course there was a band. To songs like “Country Roads” or “Living Next Door to Alice”, people were dancing on the benches and drinking beer out of the typical.
Although it was Germans who organized the event, the message of the Maastricht Oktoberfest was also widely spread amongst students of other nationalities. Many were being convinced to go on a trip to Munich, after having experienced this warm-up party, that is planned to be repeated next year.
Victoria Angel