Ocktoberfest: An American Co-Opted Holiday

This past weekend I went home to go to an Ocktoberfest celebration with my parents. There were copious amounts of beer, schnitzel, and oom-pa-pa music and even a kiddie play area for those who couldn't leave their little schnauzers at home.

Americans have the strangest holiday culture. As a melting pot of traditions and family backgrounds we've co-opted celebrations from other countries and Americanized them. In some cases, we've even created holidays where there really weren't ones before i.e. Cinco de Mayo.

Think about it:

• Valentine's Day (St. Valentine was not an American)
• St. Patrick's Day
• April Fool's Day (I mean, where did that come from?)
• Cinco de Mayo
• Ocktoberfest
• And pretty much all winter holidays.

The officially American holidays are mostly related to presidents, independence, and turkey (Thanksgiving is a uniquely American celebration). And that's not including the silly "National Popcorn Day" etc. calendar. There is literally ALWAYS a reason to celebrate.

Get your PARTY ON!