logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
November 4, 2021 by Alejandra Castellanos Hispanic Culture 0 comments

The History and Celebration of Oktoberfest in Argentina

Oktoberfest in Argentina? That’s right! The famous historical festival from Germany is a huge event in Argentina, too! 

After World War II, Germans immigrated not only to Argentina, but also to other South American countries like Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, and Spain. 

Argentina’s Oktoberfest is the largest in Latin America after Munich and Blumenau, Brazil.

Read this blog post to explore the origin of the traditional German event and find out how it came to South American countries like Argentina, Chile, and Peru! Join me as I dive into this fascinating festival in Argentina.

A Brief History of Oktoberfest in Argentina

The Oktoberfest celebration originated in Germany and gradually made its way to America. Here’s the short story of how it arrived in Argentina!

On October 12, 1810, Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony Hildburghausen married in Bavaria. This event sparked a major celebration in Germany.

Rothenburg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany | © Billy Wilson/Flickr

With horse races and high attendance, they began an annual tradition. In 1811, they gave agriculture a chance to thrive by adding an agricultural show. Later in 1818, they officially included beer stands and family attractions like carousels. 

The festival only grew year after year, drawing more attendees, including more traditions, and boasting larger food and drink stands. 

German Immigration to Argentina 

Now, you’re wondering, how did this festival end up in Argentina? Let me elaborate!

Because Argentina remained neutral during World War II, former Nazi and S.S. officials sought refuge in this region after the war ended. Moreover, former President Juan Peron even paved the road for them to escape Europe and land safely in his country. 

Over 9,000 former officials migrated to South America. Argentina was the country with the most Germans, with over 5,000.

The best-known refugee was Adolf Eichmann, a brutal Nazi who was responsible for conducting the transport of Jews to concentration camps. Under the pseudonym Ricardo Klement, he arrived in Argentina seeking protection. There, Israeli secret service agents abducted him.

Oktoberfest Argentina
Oktoberfest in Argentina | © GothPhil/Flickr

Oktoberfest in Argentina

Due to the large German population in the country, Oktoberfest surfaced in the city of Cordoba in 1963. 

Later in 1972, Argentina declared this festival a Fiesta Nacional (national celebration) but it wasn’t until 2016 that they built a special venue for it—Beer Village.

Located in el Bosque de los Pioneros (Pioneer’s Forest) in Villa General Belgrano, Córdoba, the annual dates for Oktoberfest in Argentina are usually October 4-14.

Oktoberfest Argentina
Villa General Belgrano | © GothPhil/Flickr

Oktoberfest Traditions

La Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza (the National Beer Festival) gathers tons of Argentinians to spend their days listening to music and enjoying food and drinks with their friends and family.

Music

There’s a wide range of music for everyone to enjoy during the festival including orchestras, central European music, dances, and regional bands!

Food

Attendees enjoy German gastronomy, such as Frankfurter sausages, sauerkraut, and smoked pork ribs, as well as European pastries such as pastel selva negra (Black Forest gâteau) and apple pie strudel. 

Oktoberfest Argentina
Oktoberfest in Cordoba, Argentina | © misaelz/Flickr

Must-See Shows

The main event during Oktoberfest in Argentina is the Ceremonia del Espiche (Form Ceremony). It consists of the crowd getting their beer mugs ready for the major foam explosion after they have shaken up the huge keg on the stage. 

Another major event is the parade where they showcase the local orchestra “Die Bier musikanten” (The Beer Musicians) and Nordic delegations prepare locals with typical costumes of countries including Germany, Denmark, Scotland, and Sweden. 

Additionally, they choose la Reina Nacional de la Cerveza (the National Beer Queen).

Oktoberfest Argentina
Villa General Belgrano, Cordoba, Argentina | © davextcdrink/Wikimedia Commons

Visit Córdoba, Argentina

If you are planning on visiting Argentina and heading to Cordoba, check out these beautiful sites!

Cathedral of Cordoba

This majestic church is one of the oldest one in the country. Its construction began in 1598 with the labor work of indigenous artisans. 

Although it collapsed once in 1677, it reopened in 1709. This is a must-see architectural masterpiece!

Argentina festival
Catedral de Córdoba | © Andrés Landeau/Flickr

Plaza de San Martín

Named in honor of General Jose de San Martín, the city’s square holds street performers and vendors. Sit back, drink coffee, and relax in this gorgeous town square.

To learn more about the history of Jose de de San Martín, read Argentina Celebrates San Martín Day to Honor a Founding Father of Latin America.

festival
Plaza San Martin | © Pablo Gonzales/Flickr

Parque Sarmiento

This vast public park is the perfect spot to wind down and enjoy your alone time or a nice chat with your travel buddies. 

If you’re looking for the complete Argentine experience, find a traveler’s kit to prepare a mate and set up a picnic to chill on the grass.

Argentina festival
Parque Sarmiento | © Municipalidad de Cordoba/Flickr

Evita Fine Arts Museum

Dating back to 1912, this palace is right next to Parque Sarmiento. Its original owner, Dr. Martin Ferreyra, chose this particular spot for its proximity to the park. 

Nowadays, it is home to sculptures, art exhibits, and an antique library. 

Oktoberfest Argentina
Fachada del Museo Superior de Bellas Artes Palacio Ferreyra | © Leandro A. Martínez./Wikimedia Commons

Village La Cumbre

This stunning small town has wonderful architecture. Stay in a gorgeous cabin specially designed for tourists to wind down and take in the nature around them. 

Oktoberfest Argentina
La Cumbrecita, Córdoba | © Dante Prono/Flickr

Fascinated by South America? Check out: Paraguay: A South American Gem for Travelers

Prepare for Argentina

While traveling the world is one of the most compelling activities I can think of, I am positive there are many ways to improve a trip! Prepare for your next trip to Argentina or any other Spanish-speaking country by becoming familiar with the language! The better you speak Spanish, the easier it will be to communicate with the locals and get the full travel experience!

Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy today! Our online academy offers 1-to-1 classes with our friendly, certified, native-speaking teachers from Guatemala. Become a confident speaker by learning vocabulary words, grammar basics, and, most importantly, by engaging in real-life conversations! 

sign up for a free trial class
Sign up for your FREE TRIAL CLASS today!

Want to learn more about Latin American culture? Check out our latest posts!

  • The Best Spanish Learning Podcasts for Kids
  • 12 Contemporary Spanish Female Artists Who Will Empower You
  • The History and Significance of Guatemalan Jade
  • Are Bilingual Children More Likely to Experience a Speech or Language Delay?
  • Top 10 Places to Visit in Guatemala City, Guatemala
  • Learn About Hispanic History: Were Hispanics Slaves?
  • Celebrating Culture and Joy: The Magic of Carnival in Spanish-Speaking Countries
  • 15 Mouth-Watering National Dishes of Latin America
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Alejandra Castellanos
Alejandra Castellanos
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
A native Spanish speaker and college student born in Guatemala, I have a passion for writing in English and sharing valuable language information with Spanish learners. If my readers can enjoy the lessons and information I share, I’ll consider my work done!
Alejandra Castellanos
Latest posts by Alejandra Castellanos (see all)
  • Christmas Songs and Vocabulary for Kids in Spanish - December 13, 2022
  • 100 Sentences With the Spanish Verb Ser - September 1, 2022
  • Learn the Shapes (Free Spanish Lessons for Kids) - January 13, 2022
trending topics
0

Related Posts

Key Benefits of Learning Soanish

3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce

March 1, 2018
Read More
Spanish Foods

Food for Thought: 6 Spanish Foods to Learn About (and try!)

June 5, 2018
Read More
bilingualism in the US

Bilingualism: How the US Compares to Other Countries

June 14, 2018
Read More
bilingual

Ahead of the Pack: How Becoming Bilingual Now Can Leap your Child Ahead of Their Peers

May 12, 2018
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Understanding Biomes and Habitats (Free Spanish Lessons for Kids)Previous Post
How To Create Your Own Spanish Class Website for Your Students to AccessNext Post

About Us

With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers’ passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. Learn More

Resources

  • About
  • Get a Transcript
  • FAQs
  • How it Works
  • Partners

Recent Posts

  • What to Expect in Your Preschooler’s First Spanish Class
    What to Expect in Your Preschooler’s First Spanish Class
    April 25, 2025
    Nervous about starting Spanish? Here’s...
  • Spanish Songs Your Preschooler Will Love (and Learn From!)
    Spanish Songs Your Preschooler Will Love (and Learn From!)
    April 24, 2025
    Music makes Spanish stick. Here are the...

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us© 2022 HSA. All rights reserved.