Oktobarfest more then beer festival
Be one of the six million visitors who flock to Munich every September and October for the world’s largest beer festival – Oktoberfest.
The very first gathering took place on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese. The festivities lasted five days and concluded with horse races on a meadow later named Theresienwiese, which remains the festival's venue to this day.
Many wonder: why is Oktoberfest held in September? The answer is simple: October is often too cold in these parts, so the event was moved to late September and now lasts just over two weeks.
While it began as a wedding anniversary celebration with horse racing, the festival expanded over time. Today, beyond world-class beer, it offers amusement park rides, archery, dancing, and delicious traditional cuisine.
The Theresienwiese spans 42 hectares, every inch packed with tents and various attractions. Inside the tents, you'll find long wooden tables and benches. You can secure a spot via reservation or simply show up and try your luck. Reservations are typically made for 8 to 10 people; otherwise, you will likely sit next to friendly strangers ready to raise a glass with you. Reservations are paid per person and include food and drink vouchers. If you exceed the amount, you pay the difference; however, if you don't spend it all, the balance is non-refundable.
The festival is officially opened by the Mayor, who taps the first keg with a hammer. Tents fill up hours before the official opening, though only non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks are served during that time.
Even if you don't speak German, you’ll enjoy the sounds of famous beer songs sung in unison by thousands, all while clinking one-liter glass mugs (Maß).
In addition to the average seven million liters of beer consumed, visitors enjoy nearly 400,000 sausages, 250,000 chickens, tons of pasta specialties, and almost 100 oxen. The beer quality is top-tier, strictly adhering to the Munich Purity Law of 1487 and the German Law of 1906.
Don't be surprised by the tradition of drinking beer from a shoe. It is not uncommon to see someone take off their shoe, climb onto a bench, and pour beer into it. While they drink, all eyes are on them as the crowd cheers. However, if they stop or fail to finish, spectators might jokingly "boo" or toss light items at them.
During the festival, almost everyone wears traditional Bavarian attire: the dirndl (for women) and lederhosen (leather breeches for men). The bow on a woman’s apron sends a clear message:
- Bow on the right: She is taken (in a relationship or married).
- Bow on the left: She is single.
- Bow in the middle (front): Traditionally signifies a young girl or maiden.
- Bow on the back: She is a widow or a waitress.
Since children occasionally get separated from their parents, there is now a dedicated "Lost and Found" station for children.
A true highlight is watching the waiters carrying towering pyramids of full mugs or long platters of food—their speed and hospitality are truly impressive.
In its 200-year history, the festival has been canceled only 24 times due to wars or epidemics. If you dream of visiting, the opportunity will surely arise. However, if you wish to join as a vendor and rent a stall, be prepared to wait—the average waiting list is about 20 years.
Even for those who aren't beer fans, the festival is never a disappointment, thanks to the countless attractions and specialized wine tents.
