A different type of October

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  Jamaican German Society welcomes more support for Oktoberfest

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

For those who have studied German history, or have spent some time in Germany, you would have been familiar with the name Oktoberfest. As the name suggests, Oktoberfest is a festival held in the month of October, however, there is a twist to the idea locally, as it not only pays attention to a German festival, but also gives a taste of German food and music.

The local leg of the event is hosted by The Jamaican German Society, and, according to the president of the group, Cecile Clayton, Oktoberfest is a concept that was started in Jamaica by students who studied in Germany.

"The Jamaican German Society is the oldest friendship organisation in Jamaica and it was started by students who completed their studies in Germany," she told The Sunday Gleaner.

According to Clayton, the festival shows some elements of German culture and has been modified over the years to resemble the original concept as mush as possible.

"In former years we had a resident band which was Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, the music was not fully German and people complained that the vibe was not German enough and so now we bring in German music," she said.

Originally, the festival is scheduled to start in September and ends in October, usually involving heavy drinking of German beer.

Most famous events

The festival is said to be one of the most famous events in Germany, and, arguably, the largest fair in the world with an estimated five million people attending each year.

The local organisers also paid homage to the homeland of the festival, Bavaria, by using large Bavarian flags to decorate particular sections of the venue, while the DJ played German songs.

Although open to the public, the majority of the patrons who turned out at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston, last Sunday, were of German descent or had some relation to Germany.

Despite this, Clayton says that the festival is not only for Germans or persons who have studied there. She explained that the festival fosters cultural exchange and is beneficial to people from all walks of society.

A plate of German food was being sold for $1,000, and holders of an Oktoberfest armband could drink as much German beer as the body could consume from the 12 brands that were on display.

Membership

Persons wishing to join the Jamaican German Society may call 946-1409 and pay a membership fee of $2,000. That, along with a recommendation from a member guarantees membership.

The society also operates a school that teaches German.

German Ambassador to Jamaica Josef Beck commended the Jamaican German society for bringing elements of German culture to Jamaica.

Cecile Clayton, who was feasting on some seemingly tasty German cuisine, encouraged jamaicans to support the annual event.

"It's a party with an ethnic twist, if you can't afford to go to Germany, we bring it to you," she said.