THE JAMAICAN German Society, in celebration of 27 years of existence, will on Friday, October 27 host Oktoberfest at the Society House, 14 Worthington Avenue, New Kingston, at 6:00 p.m.
Live entertainment will be provided by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. There will also be games such as the popular beer-drinking contest.
Oktoberfest had its beginnings in Bavaria in 1810, when King Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxony. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities, held in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal event. In later years, horse races and an agricultural show became a part of the annual festival.
Later, carousels and swings became regular features. Visitors were able to quench their thirst at small beer stands, which grew rapidly in number. And in 1892 the old beer mugs, made of stone, were replaced with glass containers.
In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by beer tents.
