Oktoberfest Park
Santa Catarina
Oktoberfest Park, officially known as Parque Vila Germânica, is a cultural and event complex located in the Bairro da Velha district of Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The park is renowned for hosting the annual Oktoberfest of Blumenau, the second largest German festival in the Americas and the third largest Oktoberfest worldwide after Munich. Established originally as a venue for fairs and exhibitions, the park spans 36,000 square meters of covered pavilions and includes facilities such as the Galegão gymnasium. The Oktoberfest event lasts for 18 days each October, attracting approximately 700,000 visitors annually. It features traditional German folk dances, music, costumes, cuisine, and cultural competitions like the National Competition of Tap Beer in Meter Drinkers. The park serves as a vibrant hub for celebrating German heritage in Brazil, with symbolic characters like "Fritz," "Frida," and the "Vovó e Vovô Chopão" enhancing the festive atmosphere. Beyond Oktoberfest, Parque Vila Germânica hosts various other regional events, making it a key cultural landmark in Blumenau.
Plan your trip to Brazil with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit Oktoberfest Park during the official Oktoberfest period in mid-October to experience the full cultural festivities. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance due to high attendance. The event offers discounts for groups and early bookings. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Check the official website for updated event schedules and health guidelines.
Interesting facts
- •Oktoberfest of Blumenau is the third largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world after Munich and the second largest in the Americas.
- •The festival was created in 1984 as a response to a major flood to boost the city's economy and spirit.
- •The National Competition of Tap Beer in Meter Drinkers is a unique event held during Oktoberfest where competitors drink one meter of beer without spilling.
- •The park covers 36,000 square meters of covered pavilions designed to host fairs and events.
- •Typical festival characters include Fritz and Frida, as well as the symbolic Grandma and Grandpa Chopão.
History
Parque Vila Germânica was originally known as the Feira de Amostras de Santa Catarina (FAMOSC) and served as a fair and exhibition park.
In 1984, following a devastating flood of the ItajaĂ-Açu river, the Oktoberfest of Blumenau was created to help revive the local economy and morale.
Since then, the park has been the central venue for this festival, which has grown to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Over the years, the park has expanded its facilities to support a variety of events, becoming a significant cultural and social hub in Blumenau.
Place Guide
Main Pavilion
The primary covered area of Parque Vila Germânica where the Oktoberfest festivities, including music, dance, and beer competitions, take place. It is designed to accommodate thousands of visitors and features traditional German architectural elements.
GalegĂŁo Gymnasium
An adjoining indoor arena used for various events and exhibitions throughout the year, supporting the park's role as a multi-purpose cultural venue.
Contact
Phone: (47) 3381-7700
