Colors of Garmisch-Partenkirchen - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local residents are distinguished by quite an original nature and rich culture, unique traditions and customs that do not cease to amaze foreign travelers. Despite the fact that Garmisch-Partenkirchen is visited by a huge number of travelers from different countries of the world, local residents are quite restrained while dealing with foreigners. Any person, who does not communicate in their native dialect, is usually called a "Prussian” and is treated in an alert manner. Even residents of the nearby towns are foreigners to the indigenous population, but they instantly respect people who try to communicate in their native language and are interested in their local culture.

It should be noted that the national dialect in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also quite peculiar and original. Once you get to one of the markets of Garmisch, you will not understand even a half of words from the conversation of local merchants, even if you speak German fluently. The habits of local residents are also quite unusual, and, most importantly, unwavering. When ordering a portion of your favorite Bavarian sausages to beer, they will certainly eat them with their hands. This is not a sign of bad education, but a tribute to the tradition. The national dish called "weisswurst" (white sausage) can be eaten by hand only. Foreigners, who try to eat "weisswurst" with a knife and fork, will surely surprise the locals who will look at them as "vandals".

However, one cannot call the local people conservative. They separate with their favorite things easily, change their jobs often and wish to make new friends. Careful and reverent attitude can be seen only when they deal with their culture and traditions. The best way to get acquainted with local traditions is to visit the national holidays, each of which will surely be of a great interest to foreign travelers. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In August Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosts the famous beer festival called Festwochen, which is usually accompanied with interesting folk performances, funny competitions and, of course, tasting of the favorite national drink. In January the city traditionally hosts a colorful carnival. During several days Garmisch-Partenkirchen is immersed in an atmosphere of extravaganza and celebration. Incredibly beautiful parades, musical performances, fireworks shows and street performances amaze either adults or children. If you visit the city in June, you will get the opportunity to visit one of the most famous music events - the festival dedicated to the memory of Richard Strauss. The famous composer spent last years of his life in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The festival is traditionally attended by fans of classical music from different countries.

Another colorful event awaits visitors to the city in late July and early August. It is about Festwochen Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The history of the city begins with the reunification of the two cities - as can be understood from its dual name - Garmisch and Partenkirchen. But at this time the festival is divided into two parts where each settlement presents its unique culture through parades in national costumes, folk music, and dance performances, and, of course, a gastronomic program. It is worth noting that the former cities really have something to show. No event in Bavaria is complete without a glass of traditional beer, and this fest is definitely no exception in this regard. The main actions take place on Rathausplatz, you can visit the festival completely free of charge, however, there are paid events on Tuesdays.

At the beginning of June, all rock music fans are waiting for Raut Oak Fest whose venue is Am Weidenacker 1, near the beautiful Lake Riegsee. The open-air event gathers not only fans of quality music but also those who believe that the best time is the time spent outdoors. Another open-air event is held in early September and is called Rock am Hang. The venue is next to Hannibal Après bar. Here there are no famous headliners, however, this is a significant event in the life of the region, as it takes place in a picturesque area where you can combine visiting the festival with skiing.

Another festival dedicated to rock is held in mid-September and is called Rock’N Fellas. Here everyone looks back on the distant '50s when rockabilly and rock’n’roll were the most popular genres of music. This open-air event takes place in Kurpark Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In addition to the music program, a retro car show, dance performances, and master classes are prepared for the audience. When the cold comes, festivals smoothly become indoor. This happens with the Noiseclub Festival, which is held at the end of November in Jugendzentrum Garmisch-Partenkirchen chosen as the venue. This is a vivid combination of noise, stoner, hardcore, punk, MDM, and death metal. You can visit it for free, which will definitely please all fans of such a heavy music.

In the middle of July, the same Kurpark Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosts a festival in support of Bürgerstiftung Mehrwert. Here all remember classic rock - the real one, from which it rang in the ears and the blood began boiling, rushing adrenaline to the whole body. Visitors have a unique chance to listen to regional bands performing covers of rock legends like Van Halen, Whitesnake, Pink Floyd, Toto, Deep Purple. The event is not complete without a special program that includes jam sessions, a kind of the highlight of the program.

In early May, Benediktinerabtei Ettal invites everyone to visit Bayerische Landesausstellung. This is the place where you can plunge into the myths of Bavaria and feel the touch of something mysterious. Here, in the monastery, in the lost forests, the mystical atmosphere is felt like anywhere else. This forest will tell its story throughout the festival. The event is recommended to all who want to get acquainted with the local culture as closely as possible, and, of course, feel the atmosphere of mysterious Bavaria - one that fascinates from the first minutes, making you recall the most famous "fairy tale king" Ludwig of Bavaria.

Take a closer look at the local culture at the Heimatsound Festival. It takes place at the end of June in Oberammergau, a small town near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The open-air fest invites local performers playing folk, so here you can listen to traditional Bavarian music. Another musical event takes two weeks in August, starting at the beginning of the month. We are talking about The Karwendel Music Festival. The event dedicated to classical music takes place in various locations - concert halls, theaters, libraries of the city. In addition to the music program, visitors are invited to take part in master classes, listen to seminars, lectures, attend meet-and-greets.