the emperor invited rhineland germans to settle petrópolis and, every year, the city hosts it totally authentic german bauernfest, or the feast of bauernfest german-colonist - the second largest german celebration in brazil.

it occurs in the brazilian winter months of june and july, lending a slightly chillier atmosphere more akin to the famous oktoberfest, taking place in petrópolis in june.

the festival itself is free and does not require a ticket, as the celebration honors the german presence in the country of brazil with a value of positive image of the shared cultures.

bauernfest historically began in the early 20th century as a small celebration in order to preserve german culture in the south american setting.