Explorica is very proud of our brand new resource for teachers: our 2018-19 Around the World classroom calendar!
The calendar features a new country and an international holiday for you to celebrate with your students each month. Download a new page each month on this blog (and subscribe!), hang it up in your classroom, and talk to your students about how the holiday reflects the country’s history and culture.
This October, we’re featuring Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival, held in Munich, Germany from late September to early October for 16 to 18 days each year.
It began in 1810 as a celebration of the wedding between King Ludwig I and Princess Therese. Citizens of Munich celebrated on the fields of the city, and the festival is still held on these fields, now called Theresa’s Meadow. Originally, attendees enjoyed horse races that were held on the grounds, until the festival grew to include carnival activities and, of course, beer tents.
Today, the festival is very popular, and has spread to cities around the world. In Munich, the festival features rides, traditional foods, and a parade, and Bavarian lager is served. On the last day of Oktoberfest, sparklers are distributed to the crowd in some tents and the lights are turned off, so the entire area is lit up by tiny flames.
This year, Oktoberfest begins on September 22 and ends on October 7.
Quiz your students about Germany
What do you know about German culture?
What does Oktoberfest and its prevalence over 200 years say about German culture?
Can you think of any celebrations in the U.S. that are similar to Oktoberfest?
It’s common for attendees to wear lederhosen, traditional Bavarian dress. Can you think of a similarity to historical costumes worn in the U.S.?
Why do you think Oktoberfest has made its way to some cities in the U.S.?
Bringing Oktoberfest into your classroom
Host an Oktoberfest at your school. Serve bratwurst, and after the sun goes down, distribute sparklers (if this is legal in your state) so students can light them.