Nazi Oktoberfest: Celebrating German Identity under Propaganda

During the Nazi era, Oktoberfest was transformed into a platform for Nazi ideology and propaganda.

Hang on, let's dive into how Hitler and the Nazis used Oktoberfest to promote their regime.

A Bavarian Tradition Gone Propagandistic

Oktoberfest, traditionally celebrated in Bavaria, a region in Southern Germany, showcased local pride and cultural heritage. However, during the Nazi reign from 1933 to 1939, the festivities were repurposed to suit the propaganda needs of the regime. This change was particularly evident during key anniversaries such as the 125th anniversary in 1935 and the 'Greater German Volksfest' in 1938 following the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland.

Beer, Music, and Nationalism

Beer, music, and traditional Bavarian culture were integral to the celebrations. Despite living in Bavaria, Adolf Hitler, a teetotaler and later a non-meat eater, did not partake in the traditional Oktoberfest festivities. However, it was his regime that used the festival for promoting nationalist fervor. The event featured military parades, displays of German strength, and grand spectacles that aligned with Nazi propaganda.

The October Festival as Propaganda

The Oktoberfest was utilized for propaganda purposes, with almost everything in Germany bearing a Nazi tinge. For instance, the price of beer was set by the government to be affordable, and on the first day, the poor were given a free hearty stew called 'Eintopf'. Traditional Bavarian culture was emphasized through Oompah brass bands, biergartens, and visitors in lederhosen and Dirndls. The festival also included typical folk performances and displays, although the Hakenkreuzfahne (Swastika flags) began to take the place of Bavaria's blue-white colors after a ban in 1936.

Restrictions and Renaming

Under Nazi rule, certain groups were restricted from participating in the festivities. Jews, for instance, were barred from attending these celebrations. However, they may have attended secretly. In 1938, after the annexation of Austria and the Sudeten regions of Czechoslovakia, the Oktoberfest was renamed as 'GroDeutsches Volksfest' (Greater German People's Festival).

The Interruption of War

Due to the fear of Allied air raids, the tradition of hosting Oktoberfest was suspended during the war years from 1939 to 1945.

Altogether, the Nazi Oktoberfest was more than just a cultural celebration, it was a means to promote German identity, strength, and unity under the regime's ideology.