Every year, as summer gives way to autumn in Munich, Germany, millions of people from around the world gather to partake in one of the world’s most famous and beloved festivals: Oktoberfest. You might know the festival for beer chugging and yes, the drink has always been an integral part in shaping the festival’s identity.
But, Why Is It Celebrated In September Then?
The renowned Oktoberfest, also known as the Wiesn locally, will run from September 16 to October 3. Almost every year, more than a million revellers head to Munich’s Oktoberfest in mid-September.
Oktoberfest begins in September because its final day has a fixed spot on the calendar. The first Sunday in October is always the festival’s final day. In order to take advantage of September’s milder weather, Oktoberfest organisers have worked backwards as its fame and grandeur have risen.
The origins of Oktoberfest can be traced back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married. To commemorate this royal wedding, the citizens of Munich were invited to partake in the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates. These fields were subsequently named Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Meadow) in honour of the princess, and the celebration became an annual event.
Around 1818, a few beer stands showed up to provide people with beverages. In 1896, breweries funded the first tents and sizable drinking establishments. The world’s drinkers have never looked back ever since.
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The Festive Atmosphere At Oktoberfest
The heart and soul of Oktoberfest are the beer tents. These massive, elaborately decorated structures represent a different Bavarian brewery. Oktoberfest is synonymous with the consumption of large quantities of beer, and it’s not just any beer—it’s the quintessential Bavarian lager known as Märzen. Each brewery tent serves its own Märzen beer, and patrons can enjoy this amber nectar.
Beyond the beer, Oktoberfest is a celebration of Bavarian culture and tradition. The streets are filled with parades, and revellers don traditional Bavarian attire such as lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. Traditional folk music and dancing add to the festive ambience, and the aroma of delicious Bavarian cuisine fills the air.
So, how are you celebrating Oktoberfest, the world’s greatest celebration of beer and lager?
When: 16 Sept, 2023 – 3 Oct, 2023
Where: Munich, Bavaria
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Cover image credits: Canva