Frau Sternig’s German students celebrated the tradition of Oktoberfest recently in the junior high classes. Students contributed ethnic foods to the celebration, sang traditional songs and engaged in dance steps from the Bavarian region.
The history of Oktoberfest goes back to the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. A parade in their honor took place for the first time in 1810. Since 1850, the parade has become an annual event and an important component of the Oktoberfest. Eight thousand people—mostly from Bavaria—and dressed in traditional costumes walk from Maximilian Street through the centre of Munich to the Oktoberfest grounds. There is a traditional keg tapping by the Lord Mayor and beer is a significant part of the celebration (but not at Holy Angels!).
German is taught as part of the World Languages Curriculum at Holy Angels which also includes Spanish and Mandarin Chinese at all grade levels.