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For The First Time After World War II, Germany Cancels Oktoberfest In The Wake Of COVID-19

by Suchismita Pal
For The First Time After World War II, Germany Cancels Oktoberfest In The Wake Of COVID-19

After the widespread outbreak of the novel coronavirus, major events all across the world have been cancelled. From musical tours of celebrity singers and popular festivals to top tech summits and conferences, everything is either cancelled or put on hold. What recently added up to the long list of cancelled events is Germany’s iconic beer festival, the Oktoberfest 2020.

What Is It?

Known as the world’s largest Volksfest, the Oktoberfest is an annual event that takes place in Munich located in Bavaria, Germany. The duration of the festival is usually 16 to 18 days. More than six million people from all across the world flock into the festival grounds to chug down one of the best beers of all time, the Märzen or Märzenbier. Its colour varies from amber to dark brown. This gala beer festival dates back to 1810. Besides beers, other attractions of the fiesta include crazy rides, pretzels and other delish food, shopping and much more. Now, some other parts of the world also conduct Oktoberfest, which are celebrated in a similar style of the original event.

This year, it was supposed to begin on 19th September and end on 5th October in Germany. But sadly, in the face the pandemic, the fest won’t see the light of the day in 2020.

Also Read: Kerala’s Biggest Temple Festival Has Been Cancelled For The First Time In Years Due To Coronavirus

What Else?

This is the first time after World War II that Oktoberfest isn’t happening. Previously, was cancelled in 1854 and 1873 due to the spread of cholera. Apart from that, during 1923 hyperinflation and the war period, the celebrations had faced a halt till 1945. And now in 2020, the coronavirus scare brought back the same scenario.

Also Read: Tokyo Olympics Postponed To 2021 Because Of Coronavirus Pandemic

This news might be heartbreaking for many die-hard beer lovers, but we can at least anticipate that once things get back to normal, all big festivals will again begin with a bang. We know, this too shall pass! For good days to come soon, stay safe, stay indoors and avoid social distancing as much as possible.