Via Van Turismo has a tradition of promoting excursions to the biggest party in Blumenau

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Typical cuisine, live music, exclusive souvenirs and an incredible variety of cold draft beer. These elements set the cheerful tone of the Oktoberfest in Blumenau. Considered the largest and most traditional German festival in the Americas, the celebration takes place over three weeks in October at Vila Germânica Park, one of the most celebrated spots in the Santa Catarina valley. Following this tradition, a transportation company provides safe transportation annually for those from the Florianópolis region who wish to enjoy this party, accompanied by Blumenau beer: Via Van Turismo. In 2024, it is no different.

Speaking of tradition, excursions to Blumenau's most famous event are usually a highlight of Via Van's October schedule. For years, the company based in the capital has been a reference option for transfers and usually provides extensive coverage of the event dates.

This year, for example, the tours cover all Wednesdays of the parades, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with several options of times and departures from Palhoça, São José and Florianópolis. This schedule is valid for the entire calendar of the 39th Oktoberfest, which began on the 9th and continues until October 27th.

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"We are happy to organize this logistics because we feel like we are helping people. Many customers come to thank us at the end and say things like: 'I don't know what we would have done if it weren't for you' or even 'if I hadn't found this tour I would have risked driving'. So, despite the work involved, it is very rewarding" — says Alan Romanelli, from ViaVan Turismo.

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The Guia Floripa journalism team even embarked on one of these excursions. On October 12, the first weekend of the 2024 edition, our reporters boarded a Via Van bus, along with one of the excursions that went to the biggest event in Blumenau. Despite the heavy traffic, everything went smoothly during the journey, with the comfort that is already Via Van's signature.

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In the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, the pavilions at Villa Germânica Park were still calm, despite the large number of people. Our team heard different accents and styles everywhere, which further highlighted the touristic nature of Oktoberfest. And, despite the diversity, many people adopted the traditional costumes that refer to the German immigrants who arrived in the Itajaí Valley region between the 19th and 20th centuries.

As night fell, the atmosphere became even more lively for some, and chaotic for others, given the capacity of the party, with thousands of people joining the crowd. The lines grew drastically, but the party continued at full speed, thanks to the live music on three different stages and the smiles softened by the craft beer. In fact, the party proved to be a success both in terms of attendance and in terms of the variety of attractions.

The numbers prove it. According to the organizers of Okotber 2024, around 140 people attended the first week of this edition, which promises to break new attendance records.

On the first Saturday of this edition alone, there were 29 performances in the four sectors of Oktoberfest Blumenau — not counting those taking place at Boulevard Spaten Garten, the festival's food court. Dozens of other attractions are planned for the coming days.

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The gastronomy, a highlight in its own right. Bratwrust (German sausage that is often eaten in an iconic type of hot dog), roll mops (preserved sardine fillet wrapped in onions), stuffed potatoes, typical duck dishes and much, much more. The total menu for Oktoberfest Blumenau 2024 has around 200 items. There is something for everyone. Of course, many of these options go well with a cold draft beer.

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Upcoming Tours

It is worth remembering that Via Van Turismo's tour schedules are extensive and cover several regions of Santa Catarina. Even so, the company has a dedicated team to continue as a reference for tours to the Blumenau Oktoberfest, until the end of the event.

According to Alan Romanelli, this edition has already proven to be another success. "The expectation this year is to take more than 700 people during the entire event period, including our excursions with the vehicles we rent for closed groups", scores.

Calendar

Via Van excursions to Oktoberfest will follow the following times and departure points:

• Fridays: departure at 17pm and return at 4am;
• Saturdays (day): departure at 11am and return at 23pm;
• Saturdays (night): departure at 16pm and return at 4am;
• Sundays: departure at 8:30 am and return at 19 pm.
  
  (Wednesdays parade days: to be confirmed)

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Meeting point options:

- Florianópolis City Terminal, platform 5 - old terminal next to XV de Novembro Square, in Florianópolis);

- BR Passa Vinte gas station, next to Camelão (Hut) - regarding the time, consider 20 minutes after Florianópolis;

- Galo Station at Itaguaçu Shopping Mall (St. Joseph) - consider time 35 minutes after Florianópolis.

Further details about the tours, as well as ways to make a reservation, can be seen in the agenda published by Guia Floripa.

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The second largest in the world

Official data indicate that Oktoberfest Blumenau lasts 19 days and raises more than R$200 million for the local economy. In addition to employing more than 6 people, it receives an average of 600 visitors every year. These great indicators make it the second largest Oktoberfest in the world, second only to the festival held in Berlin, Germany. The event began here in 1984 and has remained the largest annual festival in Blumenau ever since. More information can be found on the official website: https://oktoberfestblumenau.com.br.

About Via Van

Founded in 2014 in Florianópolis, Via Van Turismo has expanded its operations to serve the entire state of Santa Catarina. With teams located in five cities, the company works in partnership with travel agencies, hotels, guides and event organizers. The target audience includes residents of the regions served and beach tourists during the high season, as well as corporate tourists during the low season.

In this model, Via Van continues to offer versatility for those seeking comfort and safety. The company's website is https://www.viavanturismo.com.

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Report: Willian Schütz (journalist - MTB 0006989/SC), written by Guia Floripa.

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