Lasting two weeks, impressing visitors with local costumes, serving lots of beer, and claiming endless fun… Oktoberfest is the world’s biggest social festival and a traveling carnival simultaneously. Every year, in mid-to-late September, people from all over the world come to Munich to enjoy this 16-day event. Since the day it first started in 1810, Oktoberfest has been celebrated in Germany with joy. In this blog post, you will have a clear answer to the questions “What is Oktoberfest?” and “Why is Oktoberfest celebrated?” Once you get your answer, buy your flight ticket and fly to Munich to experience this unforgettable event!
Why Is Oktoberfest Celebrated?
Have you ever thought about the beginning of Oktoberfest? As briefly mentioned above, this event began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to the festivities held in the fields in front of the city gates, later named Theresienwiese, in honor of the bride. This grand celebration achieved such great success at the time that it became an annual event, evolving into the globally recognized festival we know today. Oktoberfest celebrates Bavarian culture, traditions, and, of course, its world-famous beer.
What Is Going on in Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is an event full of lively activities, including traditional Bavarian music, dancing, and parades featuring participants in authentic costumes. Massive beer tents serve locally brewed beers alongside hearty German cuisine, including sausages, pretzels, and roasted chicken. Visitors can also enjoy thrilling rides, games, and carnival attractions, making it a family-friendly event. We can easily say that it’s a cultural immersion like no other!
How to Prepare for Oktoberfest
If you want to enjoy Oktoberfest to the fullest, you’d better get ready in advance. Start by booking your accommodations early, as Munich gets extremely busy during the festival. Choose traditional Bavarian clothing, such as “Lederhosen” for men, which are conventional Bavarian leather shorts, and “Dirndl” for women, which are classic Bavarian dresses featuring a fitted bodice and apron, to immerse yourself in the culture. Learn a few German phrases and familiarize yourself with the festival’s customs to enhance your experience.
Preparation Steps for Oktoberfest
- Book your accommodations early to secure a convenient place in Munich.
- Choose and purchase traditional Bavarian clothing like Lederhosen or Dirndl.
- Learn basic German phrases such as “Hallo” (Hello) and “Prost” (Cheers).
- Plan your visit by checking the event’s schedule and opening hours.
- Familiarize yourself with the customs, like beer toasting and beer tent rules.
- Carry cash, as many stalls may not accept cards during the festival.
- Stay hydrated and take it slow to fully enjoy the festival.
When Is Oktoberfest?
What day is Oktoberfest? This traditional German event takes place in mid-to-late September and lasts for 16 to 18 days. Though its name has “October” in it, Oktoberfest usually takes place in September as the weather is more convenient at that time of the year in Germany. As you can guess, the dates of the festival change each year; therefore, it is best to check the exact starting date on the event calendar.
What Is Oktoberfest About?
The best answer to the question “What is Oktoberfest Germany?” could be that it is a celebration of Bavarian culture, beer, and traditions. However, it’s not just about beer; there are also amusement rides, games, and cultural events. People from all over the world gather to experience the warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere, and historic charm of Oktoberfest, making it a unique celebration that blends fun and tradition.
What Beer Is Served in Oktoberfest?
As Oktoberfest equals German beer in minds, it is perfectly normal for people to dream of beer fountains on the event grounds. But what beer is served in Oktoberfest? Only beers brewed within Munich’s city limits and adhering to strict Bavarian Purity Laws are served in Oktoberfest. The beers come from six traditional Munich breweries: Paulaner, Spaten, Augustiner, Löwenbräu, Hofbräu, and Hacker-Pschorr, specially brewed for the festival.
Where Is Oktoberfest?
What city is Oktoberfest in? The Oktoberfest takes place in the city of Munich in Bavaria. While Munich is the main hub, other cities in Germany and around the world have their own smaller versions of Oktoberfest inspired by the original festival.
If you likes this blog post, you may also be interested in learning more about the Düsseldorf Carnival.
