A Lederhosen Boycott for Oktoberfest?
August 10, 2004
Yes, we're talking about Germany's most important gift to the world of fashion, lederhosen.
Unfortunately for fans of the snazzy leather duds, the Bavarian Livery Association is threatening to boycott this year's Oktoberfest to protest the state government's decision to end subsidies for the wearers of lederhosen and other traditional clothing such as dirndl dresses.
The 300,000 member-strong group said avoiding the high-profile parade at the beer festival was one of several options it was considering to express its dismay to Bavarian state premier Edmund Stoiber, who has ordered a round of budget belt-tightening.
"We just don't understand it, this will cause drastic cuts in how we carry out our duties," Walter Weinzierl, the association's treasurer, said in a statement.
According to the German news agency DPA, the group received €500,000 ($613,500) in financial support from the Bavarian government and spent a total of €3.7 million on traditional outfits last year. The Livery Association has been subsidized by Bavaria for the past 40 years.