Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi! All aboard the party pavilion celebrating German arts, culture and traditions.
German Pavilion
Venue: German Society of Winnipeg (121 Charles St.)
Dates: Sun. Aug 6th to Sat. August 12th
Extended shows: Sun, Mon & Sat – 5:00pm
Late Night parties: Fri & Sat: 10:30pm
** For a complete, updated listing of pavilions I have visited so far, please click here.
Cultural Display
Their theme with their cultural display this year is a look at the history and origin of popular fairytales through the works of the Brothers Grimm. While many may be familiar with Grimms’ Fairy Tales, we may not have all realized that the brothers (and their tales) were originally from Germany and written in German.
With the amount of fairytales being turned into Disney movies and remakes, what a great opportunity to educate the community about some original stories that many of our modern day tales have borrowed from or are inspired by.
Food
Don’t walk away without trying their Torte! If you’re looking for a full meal, try the schnitzel as well. And, of course, when in Germany… sample some of the variety of German beers available.
Fun Fact: our host informed us that the oldest brewery is in Germany AND they still produce beer to this day! With a fact like that, how can you not help yourself to a taste of their beer?
Well, you’re even more in luck because just outside the venue is a beer tent set up with tables and chairs around an open space. Grab a beer, grab a friend, and dance away while enjoying live music from a band between shows and grab yourself more food and drinks.
Entertainment
Let’s first discuss the fact that there’s a live orchestral band. I’m talking different booming sections of sound that really get this crowd going. Performers ranged from their youth all the way to young adults wearing very colourful, vibrant costumes. All in all, the performers, musicians and MCs look like they’re having a great time on stage – and isn’t that the best part of performing arts?
Oh, not to mention there’s also audience participation – get ready to link arms with your table or row and (yes, even with that water bottle you’re holding) learn a classic song to celebrate together. Cheers! Ein Prosit!
Above and Beyond
I came here with my crew for the TV show Mabuhay TV (footage coming next week) and we got to interview the two youth ambassadors, Ashleigh Laubstedt and Tyler Polonuk, and one of the questions I asked them was why they chose to volunteer for their pavilion. Ashleigh explained how much she’s learned and how many fascinating people she’s met, along with how proud she was to share her culture with others. Tyler told us about his family and how his grandparents were involved in the pavilion and volunteering has been a family tradition for them.
So there you have it. Come in with an empty stomach, fill up on all the great food, and enjoy the fun, interactive show!
Thank you so much to the German Pavilion for being so welcoming. What’s your favourite part of the German experience? Connect with me and let me know!
** For a complete, updated listing of pavilions I have visited so far, please click here.
xoxo,
Judianne