Blumenau, the host city of Brazil's Oktoberfest

Did you know that outside of Germany, the biggest Oktoberfest party is located in Brazil? More specifically, in Blumenau, the third biggest city of the state of Santa Catarina - behind Joinville and Florianópolis (the Capital). Everyear Blumenau hosts the party during October, receiving more than a half-million people at their "Vila Germânica" (German's Village). But Blumenau is more than just Oktoberfest, the city also provides an excellent touristic experience for those who are looking for a different cultural context inside Brazil. And I would recommend this even for German visitors because even though this is a little piece of the European country, the Brazilians make the difference regarding culture mix.

The name of Blumenau comes from the surname of Hermann Bruno Otto Blumenau, a German immigrant who founded the city in the mid-19th century. Blumenau became a district in 1873, during the Paraguayan War (when Brazil fought against Paraguai, defending the land at the southern region), when a large number of residents in Blumenau volunteered for the army, to protect their adopted homeland.

Blumenau's main fame is linked to its European roots, and there everything contributes to this fantastic destination: you can see amazing German architecture, countless breweries, and of course, its natural beauty, with a beautiful landscape. 

German's Village

The Oktoberfest venue in Blumenau is also a tourist attraction all year. Of course, without the thousands of people who invade the pavilions, but with great restaurants with exclusively German menu, based on pork, potatoes, and lots of beers - it is visited by locals and tourists. The park was built in traditional German architecture, and it is the coolest place to meet in Blumenau and take beautiful pictures. The space is round and almost 30 thousand m² of a pleasant walk. The entry is free, and it is open from Monday to Friday from 08 am to 11 pm. Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm.

XV de Novembro Street

This street, located at the city center, has become a tourist spot of the city, because of its typical German architecture, which highlights the whole culture of Blumenau. As for attractions, you can find the flower clock, the City Hall, St. Paul the Apostle Cathedral, the Carlos Gomes Theater, shops, and restaurants.

Museums

Blumenau has many museums, but I would highly recommend the Museum of Habits and Customs. It is very interesting to learn a little more about the European heritage of the city. The space host clothes, objects, and information about how people lived in the past centuries in the region of Blumenau. But keep in mind that it is not open on Mondays. On other days, it is open from 10 am to 4 pm, and the entrance is five reais (1,20 euro).

Of course, Blumenau also has the Beer Museum. Admission is free, and there you will see antique equipment, objects, photographs, and documents that date back to the history of the drink in Brazil. It is open on weekdays, generally from 9 am to 5 pm and weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. Another nice place to visit is the Colonial Family Museum. 6,200 pieces tell the story of the settlers and founders of Blumenau. It has the same opening time as the Museum of Habits and Customs.

I hope you enjoy Blumenau as much as I did!!!