Budenfest

Each September all those in our village, as well as those in the surrounding villages come together for a non-stop three day festival called, "Budenfest." The fest somewhat loosely translates to "festival of booths" and is essentially an opportunity for local clubs to raise money. The local youth soccer team, wrestling team, accordion club, etc. set up booths in our blumenplatz and for three days they sell food and drinks. I have attended Budenfest the past three years but this year was quite different as it was literally right outside my window.
For two days prior to the actual start our road was blocked off as hundreds of individuals took to the small square to erect their buildings that would soon host hundreds of patrons. There was a lot of hammers pounding which soon became annoying - but at the same time it helped build excitement and anticipation.
The morning Budenfest officially started I had my window wide open and was in a trance as the smells of German grilling flooded my room. There is definitely something sensational about a good old American cook-out with a charcoal grill and burgers, but I think the Germans take it to another level. I didn't know exactly what I was smelling, all I know is that it was amazing.
That night I went out for a bit and walked around and enjoyed the sights and sounds. The different booths were selling a variety of food items. Of course there is traditional wurst. Some were selling pizzas (though quite different than American pizza), others had pretzels, french fries, and even a version of funnel cakes. While I loved being in a big crowd I absolutely loved sitting down and saying to those with me, "This IS Germany." There was absolutely no denying it that we were in the heart of Germany, embracing and enjoying the German culture. It was phenomenal.
Naturally our enjoyment of the night ended around midnight or so - but the Germans kept going. I woke up at 3.00am to loud music still blaring. My first thought was, "why are they still playing music at 3.00am?" My second thought, "of all the music to be playing at 3.00am, why on earth did they choose this song?" German radio is easily one of the most random things you will ever listen to. After multiple years of listening to music on German radio I am still baffled by the songs they choose to play.
Anyway, Budenfest was a cultural event that was a lot of fun to participate in and once again experience. It is easy to quickly be consumed in the "BFA culture" that you lose sight of the German culture so prevalent around you. Through the sights, sounds, and smells Budenfest brought that reality home.