5 ways to... Bierfest like a boss

THE TOPS at SPAR Bierfest, presented by The Independent on Saturday, is not all about beer, beer, beer. Okay, it is. But for those visitors who want to tap into some of the festival’s more popular Bavarian traditions, here’s what you need to know.

1Milking it: If you’re lost as to the connection between milking cows and the Bierfest, listen up. Each September, herdsmen drive local Bavarian farmers’ cows down from the alpine pastures where they have been grazing for the summer. Festivals are held to celebrate the cows’ safe return, serving – yup, you guessed it – Bavaria’s best brews (along with prize cheeses). Cow-milking has been associated with bierfests ever since. Put your milking skills to the test and try to beat the clock in the Bierfest’s annual cowmilking competition (no, it’s not a real cow, just a fibreglass one, but it is an authentic German import!)

2Raise your glasses: A time-honoured tradition in Bavaria is masskrugstemmen (literally, beer stein lifting). Regarded as a test of strength and endurance, participants must hold a one-litre stein of beer in one outstretched arm for as long as possible. The filled mug weighs about 2.2kg and must be kept parallel to the ground, without spillage, to avoid disqualification. Flex your beer muscle down at your local pub to start training for the Bierfest’s Mass Heben, which comes with serious bragging rights and über cool prizes.

3S’nuff said: Everybody “nose” a bierfest is not a bierfest without traditional German snuff – a fragrant combination of minty herbs and tobacco that promises to clear the sinuses. The Bierfest’s snufftabakkanon is legendary and delivers a healthy dose of mentholinfused snuff that could just blow your (long) socks off, so hang on to your felt hat if you sign up for this one.

4Flieger-what? Every pub has its sing-along songs that get patrons on their feet, beers in hands, crooning along in not-soperfect harmony. Well, Bierfest is no different. But move over Sweet Caroline, there’s a new high-flyer in town.

Where it began, we can’t begin to know, but Fliegerlied has become an official bierfest anthem.

And it comes with actions too (think flying, clapping and lots of fist pumps with your mates).

Google the song and master the moves to ensure your Bierfest experience really takes off.

5Not quite oompah: Where there be beer, there is always one activity that stands out above all else, the king of beer-fuelled pursuits that demands the absolute highest level of musicality, talent and rockstar attitude – air guitar.

If soaring solos and rocking riffs are your thing, tune that guitar and get ready for the ultimate Bierfest gig.

The TOPS at SPAR Bierfest takes place on September 29 and 30 at the Sibaya Casino complex in Durban. – Staff Reporter