HÀ NỘI Once every year, for over 30 years in Việt Nam, vibrant German traditions and cheer, with distinctive cuisine and rich-flavoured craft beer, are celebrated during the Oktoberfest.

PROST EIN TOAST: GBA Oktoberfest is renowned for its celebration of cultural exchanges between Germany and Việt Nam. Photo courtesy of GBA

The festival will be held in Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and HCM City in September and October .

The event is co-hosted by the German Businesses Association (GBA), the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Vietnam (AHK Vietnam), together with JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, under the patronage of the Embassy of Germany in Hà Nội, and the German Consulate General in HCM City.

Building on the success of last year’s festival, which drew over 10,500 attendees and served 20,000 litres of beer, GBA Oktoberfest has become the largest beer festival in Southeast Asia. The festival will continue to strengthen Vietnamese-German friendship in a joyful atmosphere filled with memorable experiences.

First held in Việt Nam in 1992, GBA Oktoberfest has over 30 years become an annual event to bring the unique German cultural and traditional experiences closer to the Vietnamese people. In addition to that, the festival has created a bridge for promoting the Việt Nam-Germany strategic partnership.

WUNDERBAR: Last year’s GBA Oktoberfest drew over 10,500 attendees and served 20,000 litres of beer, becoming the largest beer festival in Southeast Asia. — Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi

In Hà Nội, the festival will take place at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi for three days, from September 26-28. Perfectly recreating the vibrant atmosphere of the original event, the festival promises to bring many surprises for any attendees.

The event will present the rich heritage of Munich with a large beer tent 'Festzelt', traditional performances, authentic food, and (of course) German beer. Imported beers and high-quality beers brewed in Việt Nam will be served in signature beer mugs by waiters dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes known as 'Dirndls' (for women) and 'Lederhosen' (for men).

Oktoberfest also brings the character of Munich through a premium buffet, offering festival-goers a vast array of German culinary including 'bratwurst' sausages, pretzels and 'sauerkraut'.

Participants can immerse themselves in the energetic performances of the band O'zapft from Germany and Austria, to have memorable moments.

After Hà Nội, the festival will be held in Đà Nẵng at Furama Resort Danang on October 4.

In HCM City, the festival will take place at Hotel Nikko Saigon for three days, from October 10-12.

GBA Vice Chairman Torben Minko said that over the years, the festival has been not only a cultural event but also an opportunity for businesses and organisations from Germany and Việt Nam to explore new potentials in various fields.

“We also have continuously worked on upgrading the authentic setting of our Oktoberfest and spread a unique German culture across the country,” Minko said.

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN: Festival goers can immerse themselves in the energetic performances of the band O'zapft from Germany and Austria. — Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi

According to the Chief Representative of the AHK Vietnam, Peter Kompalla, GBA Oktoberfest Vietnam is one of the most anticipated events of the year, renowned for its celebration of cultural exchange between the two countries, beyond just the business context.

“This event brings together the German, Vietnamese and international business communities to celebrate with colleagues, partners and friends. We are convinced that the GBA Oktoberfest will once again provide the perfect platform to forge new friendships and partnerships,” he said. VNS