Prost! Silverstar’s Bavarian Fest excites town
Families and friends across town had a German blast at Silverstar's Bavarian Christmas Festival recently.
The Bavarian Christmas Festival, which took place at Silverstar Casino from July 27 until July 30 provided a warm and welcoming environment to visitors who were enchanted by the hues of Christmas and the vibrant energy of a German beer festival.
The festival is inspired by a well-known festival commonly known as the Oktoberfest that is held in Germany mainly in Munich, Bavaria. It is held annually, taking place from mid- or late-September to around the first Sunday of October, with more than six million international and national visitors attending the event.
In Germany, it is commonly known as d’Wiesn, after the colloquial name for the fairgrounds, Theresienwiese, which means Theresa’s Green according to Encyclopedia Britannica . Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival concluded five days later with a horse race held in an open area that came to be called Theresienwiese (“Therese’s green”). Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations that are modelled after the original Munich event.
According to Silverstar communications manager Channelle Wilmot, there has never a better time for everyone to enjoy themselves as this was the first festival taking place after four years. She added she was very happy with the reception over that weekend.
“We are back with a bang the last one was in 2019 and we are very excited to bring the Festival back after the pandemic. Great fun to have and get to experience something different.”
Hundreds, if not thousands, of people gathered with their family and friends to the festival, which had live entertainment, excellent food and beverages, and several booths from which to select a keepsake at the end of the night as a piece of memorabilia from the amazing celebration.
Complete with a traditional Oompah band, guests were able to warm up to mouth-watering Bavarian delights such as Eisbein and Bratwurst, a comprehensive selection of cold beverages, and popular winter cups such as Glühwein and hot chocolate.
“We had a wide variety of local and international craft beer. Bespoke liqueurs and gin, champagne and oysters and obviously Glühwein for the winter chill. There was a lot of non-alcoholic drinks available too, like bubble tea, hot chocolate, lattes, cappuccinos – the list goes on! We aim to cater for every taste,” Wilmot added.
Many families had the wonderful experience of a village market available, complete with various exhibitors, and were able to take photos with Santa and other entertainers. From books to arts and crafts and fashionable clothes for aspiring designers – there was something for everyone.
There were accessories such as custom designed hand bags a huge selection of jewellery to show a token of your affection. If you were looking for a new item for your closet, there will be luxurious items available from shoes, tops, and scarves. Lifestyle orientated items that can for example give your room a warm atmosphere there are scented candles, perfumes, including decorative items.
The craft market is also providing artworks and additional hand-made items.
The Bavarian Christmas Festival was a gift to all those who attended.
