Oktoberfest Parade: A Canadian Tradition

The Canadian Oktoberfest Parade has been an annual tradition since 1872. The event is held on the first weekend of October and consists of two days of celebrations, including a parade with floats, marching bands, fancy dresses, and plenty of beer.

The History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an annual German festival celebrated in Munich, Germany. It is a 16-day long event that takes place during the last weekend of September and the first weekend of October. It is also one of the most famous folk festivals in the world. Originally, it was an event for Bavarian farmworkers to show off their skills in agricultural competitions such as horsemanship, shoving contests, and wrestling matches. In 1810, King Ludwig I decreed that this celebration was meant to honor his marriage with Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen on October 12th. He instituted several traditions of the day, including various events like a parade, food booths, and beer tasting.

How the Parade Works

Oktoberfest Parade is a fun and family-friendly event which brings communities together. The parade, which first began in Munich, Germany, is a celebration of the beginning of autumn. The parade makes its way down main streets, as well as city parks, and often winds through the center of the community. The street closures and parade routes are subject to change. 

The Schedule for the Parade

Oktoberfest is a German cultural and public fair that takes place from late September to early October, this European festival is held annually in Munich and other cities. Held on the first Saturday of October, the Oktoberfest begins with the annual tapping of a keg of the new brew. The event is a 16-day celebration that includes many different types of traditional food, live music, dancing, and sporting events.

How to Participate in the Parade?

Canadian tradition is always to participate in the Oktoberfest parade. You can even try your luck at winning a prize by entering the beer festival. It’s fun and educational for the whole family to join together in celebration of the best fall holiday. We do ask you to be respectful of the parade route and all that is in it.

What to Bring? you will need a food and drink ticket, a costume (which must fit over your clothing), and an Oktoberfest flag or banner. Children 18 years old and younger without an adult must have a parent/guardian present at all times. Please do not bring pets, backpacks, alcoholic beverages, or outside food or drink into the Parade

What to Expect on Day of the Parade

The day of the parade is full of many activities and things to do. There are two parades before noon, a children’s parade, and a family-oriented parade in the afternoon. The festivities start at 4:30 p.m. with a community-wide Oktoberfest celebration with food and games for all ages. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. The parade travels from Main Street to Broad Street and then turns north on Broad Street stopping at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, turning east on University Avenue, and ending at the Carolina Theatre for a community-wide celebration and awards ceremony.

Conclusion

Oktoberfest is one of the best times of the year in Canada. People wear lederhosen, dress up as dancers and beer barrels, and drink Maßbier until they can’t remember who they were before they started to drink. To get into the spirit of things, people often gather to watch a parade before the main events begin. Provincial parades are held in many different cities throughout the country and feature different aspects of Oktoberfest culture