Spring Break
Munich comes to ECU
Leila Falls
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: News
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Oktoberfest is a traditional festival that takes place in Germany, which began as Prince Ludwig's wedding reception party in 1812. Since it was successful, it became an annual event. Germany's Oktoberfest typically lasts for 16 days, but ECU's lasted for just two hours.
Austrian-born student, Patricia Musileck, stated that "the German program here is one of the best programs ever; the professors and program itself are amazing. I feel like this Oktoberfest gives people who would have never thought of anything outside of their own culture a way to broaden their cultural horizons."
Attendees were given an authentic taste of German culture. Five authentic food tables were set up which included Bavarian crème puffs, pretzels, German potato salad, potato pancakes, egg noodles with cheese and bratwursts with sauerkraut.
Germans call people who have had too much to drink at Oktoberfest "Bierleichen" which means "beer corpses." German club members were at each table presenting information about German culture and activities that students can partake in on campus, including the foreign exchange programs.
The Oktoberfest giveaway cards were quite popular. Each person was given an Oktoberfest card, which had eight squares that were stamped at each table. There were four food squares, three German fact squares and a polka dance square. People ventured from table to table; collecting stamps, food and interesting facts. Depending on the amount of stamps collected, the prizes varied. The prizes were medallion bead necklaces, krug mugs and Oktoberfest T-shirts, which were all won at the end of the event. The German phrase "Oktoberfest Ein Porsit," which means "a toast to Oktoberfest," was the defining phrase on the prizes.
The trickiest activity was the polka dancing. German music played through speakers and volunteers who were dressed in authentic outfits known as dirndl (beer maid dresses) demonstrated the dance steps. Although some people were unsuccessful with perfecting the dance, it was evident by the laughter and participation that it was a good time.
ECU's turnout was nowhere near the 6 million people turnout in Germany, but it was very eventful nonetheless.
Head of the German Department, Birgit Jensen, was pleased with the successful Oktoberfest and stated, "It is nice to see how wonderful everything turned out. People need to know how German Club is just so lovable!"
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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