The last week in September is the beginning of the world’s biggest beer fair with more than six million people descending on Munich for the sixteen day extravaganza. We can thank King Ludwig I for the event as he started the festival in 1810 to celebrate his marriage to Princess Therese. The fair is still held in the same spot, the Theresienwiese or as we English speakers would call it – Theresa’s meadow. It is quite a sweet beginning to such a massive event and the royal influence can still be felt in the pomposity of whip shows and the rich food on offer.
We didn’t want to miss out on all the fun so September 30th saw IE’s alumni out in their Sunday best. Sunday best in Munich means dirndls for the ladies and lederhosen for the men and it was wonderful to see everyone in the traditional outfits.
We enjoyed all of the traditional trimmings of an Oktoberfest experience; roast chicken, pretzels, beer and a Bavarian brass band. It was fantastic to see both alumni and professors in attendance and it wasn’t just our German alumni either as many had flown in from Europe and even South America for the occasion.
I am happy to report that everyone had a fantastic time and we can’t wait for Oktoberfest 2013!
By Germany office
About the author
Andra has been working in business development within the education sector for the past 5 years, covering first the CEE markets and currently managing the Nordics in terms of recruiting candidates for IE. She also has experience in the healthcare industry, after 2 years dedicated to a cross-departmental assignment at Air Liquide Spain. After graduating as a Valedictorian the Bachelor Degree in Management at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, where she originally is from, she took on an international experience in Madrid. This city has been home to her for the past 9 years and this is where she graduated from her Master in International Business, at Carlos III University. Andra is passionate about skiing, reading and traveling, with a curiosity for new cultures and understanding human behaviors.