Do you like beer? I like beer. More specifically, I like good beer. Germany has good beer. I have enjoyed good beer in Germany. I have even been to Munich which is home to Oktoberfest. Yet, I have never been to to Oktoberfest. I would like to go to Oktoberfest! So today we are looking at Oktoberfest (and if you didn’t figure that out, I don’t know how to help 😜).
So what is Oktoberfest anyway? Oktoberfest is the largest “volksfest” in the world. A volksfest is an event in German-speaking countries where there is a funfair alongside a beer or wine festival. Usually included in these festivals are music, carnival rides, games for all, tasty food, and of course beer tents. This tradition of Oktoberfest dates back to the 1800s. The story of this annual festival was originally to celebrate the wedding of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. They tied the knot on October 12, 1810 and as part of the celebrations a very large horse race and festivities were held on the 17th of October. It was such a success it was deemed that the event would happen again the following year. Although it has morphed and changed through the years to the modern festival it is still a huge draw for local and foreigners alike. One thing that has not changed is the location. Oktoberfest is still held to this day in a field named after the crown princess: Thereseinwiese (or simply Wiesn, as the local refer to it).
Yes, beer tents are common, mainly sponsored by major German breweries. However, it appears there is much more than that to this fun event. Wine lovers can enjoy the wine tents and those who don’t imbibe can partake in alcohol-free refreshments. Families can enjoy the many and varied rides in the fairgrounds, both modern and traditional styles. When your hunger strikes you can enjoy a variety of Bavarian foods and snacks. And the best part of the festival is that entry is free with the exception of the historic area of the grounds, Oidn Wiesn, which costs €4 with children under 14 entering for free. Aside from that, there is no fee for entry! Of course you will need to purchase drinks, food, souvenirs, rides, etc.
This iconic Bavarian festival certainly looks like a great deal of fun and I can not wait to participate in it, hopefully sooner rather than later. The next scheduled festival will be held from September 21 – October 6, 2024. Will you be going?
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