Each year on May 1st most European countries celebrate May Day, which is the equivalent of Labor Day in the US. Bavarians decorate a tall pole with an evergreen wreath at the top. It's a grand effort and ceremony to raise it. Then they, well, dance around the maypole! Here's my timelapse video of just such an event near Munich, Germany.
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2013: During Lent, Bavarians observe what is known as Starkbierfest, or Strong Beer Fest. At that time, uber-strong beer can be had at the breweries and it will knock you down. It's said that monks, who fasted during Lent, subsisted on this strong brew.
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2014: A very big St. Patrick's Day Parade in Munich, Germany, complete with Guinness. Who knew?
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2015: Charming traditional Swiss and German New Year's Eve recipe: raclette, a melted-cheese delight! Informal for friends and family, in the same manner as fondue. Each guests melts their own portion on a cozy winter evening.
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2014: Somewhat terrifying, the Krampus run annually and loudly through Munich's Christmas Market, accompanying St. Nicholas and searching for naughty children!
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2014: Ever wonder how to pull off a Thanksgiving dinner in a foreign country? I have done it a few times, and the challenge of finding the right ingredients is a big one. Here is 2014's event. Living in Munich at the time, my husband and I invited some German friends and one Aussie to celebrate this most-American of holidays!
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2014: Everyone knows Oktoberfest: the biggest beer party in the world. But do you know that the opening procession is for the workers? Horse-drawn beer wagons adorned with flowers and hops vines, plus all the brewery workers, beer tent wait staff and anyone serving up the suds in any way get to parade down the streets of Munich to lead the crowds to the official opening of the grandest beer party you've ever seen!
Throwback Tuesday Post (TBTP) from 2011: a retro-post in which you can join me on my first trip to the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, the world's largest and best known beer party!
Munich's Blutenburg Castle has a long, rich history, but today's iteration is definitely worth a visit. It houses the International Youth Museum, possesses a masterpiece of a gothic chapel, and is a wonderful place to catch some rays or grab a cake and coffee.
Munich's Tollwood festivals, whether summer or winter, are a great place to celebrate multi-cultural food, art and music. The summer fest is held near the Olympics grounds; the winter fest is right on the Oktoberfest spot. Entry is free for most of the fest attractions.