StuStaCulum

 Just a couple weeks ago the biggest student led folk fest in Germany took place right outside of my apartment complex. StuStaCulum started in 1989 and now attracts over 40,000 visitors each year (crazy, right?) The space was small... most of the activity took place in the courtyard where I had a great view from my 13th story window and there were two other huge music tents set up (and lots of food and souvenir stands.) Dance and theater performances, fire shows, eating contests, and so much live music! My room didn't stop vibrating for 3 days, but it was one of the best weeks in Munich. It's back to normal now, but there are new festivals every week here. So much to see, so little time ;)

Maifest

 Hey lovelies, this post is somewhat overdue, but May Day in Bavaria is definitely not something to miss. I saw two unique celebrations in Egmating and Hoehenkirchen, little neighboring Bavarian towns. The celebration centered around setting up the Maypole, which weighed 4.5 tons and the process took hours. Time went by so fast though with the help of Bavarian music and lots of food. After the Maibaum was set up, there was a dancing celebration, more music, and of course beer. One of the things I love most about Munich is that they seem to find a way to make a unique cultural celebration out of every holiday. Did you do anything fun for May Day?   

Starkbierfest

 Everyone knows about Munich's Oktoberfest, but not a lot of people know about Starkbierfest, which runs during the time of lent. It started in the 1700s when monks started brewing this strong beer in order to survive the 40 days of lent. The beer packs a higher percentage of alcohol and more calories than other beer, so everyone leaves the festival satisfied at the end of the night. There are lots of different breweries that celebrate Starkbierfest, but the biggest festival (and the one we went to) was at Paulaner am Nockherberg. The atmosphere is about that of Oktoberfest (minus the hords of tourists) with traditional German folk songs, singing, and dancing on tables. I can't wait to go back this week!

Tollwood

How do students spend their evenings to get into the Christmas Spirit? At Tollwood, of course! It's a winter festival that takes place in the same area as Oktoberfest, but this time everything is oriented toward Christmas stands and Glühwein (an amazing hot spiced wine that shows up everywhere in Munich once the temperature drops). And so a group of us looked through the handmade Christmas wares, ate some amazing Morrocan food, and tried different variations of  Glühwein to keep warm. I can't wait to go back this week!