german drinking culture

Oktoberfest man chugging stein of beer Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is not in October

Inside, the atmosphere was bright and merry. White clouds on a sky-blue background decorated the ceiling. “I read on the blog–” this was becoming Sarah’s mantra, “–that it’s tradition to stand on the benches and try to chug a stein while the crowd cheers you on. If you don’t finish, though, everybody boos you,” she laughed with delight.