The countdown begins. In less than a week, the world’s largest annual funfair will kick off. The sixteen-day festival, known around the world as Oktoberfest, is held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany from late September to early October. In anticipation for the event (and for the beer), over six million people will make their way to the Theresienwiese field in Munich to huddle in an enclosed space – jam packed with ginormous tents.
The massively popular festival is now widely celebrated in countries across the globe. The original Oktoberfest, however, first began in Munich well over 200 years ago on October 12, 1810. During that time, a great horse race was organized to commemorate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of SaxeHildburghausen. After its initial success, the event was repeated the following years until it eventually gave rise to the Oktoberfest tradition we’ve all come to know and love today. As such, the festival is held annually in Munich and lasts for 17-18 consecutive days until the first Sunday in October.
During this time, millions of visitors will aggregate on a plot of land spanning 42 hectares – 15% of which come from countries around the world, including Australia, the U.S.A. and Canada. For roughly two weeks, this collective group will dance, sing and consume huge amounts of food – most likely traditional cuisine, such as Hendl (chicken, Schweinsbraten (roast pork), and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick). However, most people arrive thirsty for the Oktoberfestbeirs, or beers, which have been served at the event since 1818. In Munich specifically, there are 6 main breweries that supply the beverage, which is traditionally brewed to around 5.5 to 6% alcohol by volume (called Märzen).
This year, the event will start on Saturday, September 20th and continue until October 5th. To prepare for the endless amounts of beer, colorful costumes and live musical performances, you might want to grab yourself a litre, practice your drunken singing and head for the beautiful city of Munich. We guarantee a night to remember.
(or not dependent on how many beers you do or don’t have).
