Bigger Parade

Sunday (day 2) brings the Costume and Rifleman's Parade. This is a huge parade, more than two hours long, with over 60 groups marching. This is where you bring out your very best dirndl or lederhosen. The parade is broadcast live on tv and all the politicians are part of the event - we have an election here in a couple of days.

Tons of fun. We got there early and positioned ourselves across from the most posh hotel in Munich. The fun started at 10 and people were already drinking beer on the balcony of the hotel.

Early in the parade - the car companies brought out their best rolling advertisements. The boys loved it. Brian still yells, "BMW!!" at the top of his lungs. It is a bit embarrassing since they are EVERYWHERE.

Riding in the back of the BMW convertibles were the guys with the whips. They make the whips produce a snapping sound in rhythm that is pretty impressive. They also do this over your head in the Oktoberfest tents.

The Horses pull the beer tents (and other things) and are adorned with beautiful decorations. You can see the beer companies fight to produce the most elaborate horse gear.

Beer is pretty central to the festival.

Lots of incredible costumes and historical outfits.

This was also the first time I went to a parade (in the morning) and saw the marching band participants stopping the march, to have a drink with the audience.
This is all the more incredible because they are marching to a beer festival! Can't you wait another 30 minutes... to like 11:30 am?


More pictures to come.