A complete guide to Oktoberfest in Germany: Experience Munich's most lively carnival

Oktoberfest, Germany's beer festival, is the world's most famous and largest. • It originated on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later Ludwig I) and Princess Theresa of Saxony. The celebration took place on Theresienwiese in Munich, which remains the venue for the beer festival today. • Despite its name, Oktoberfest is actually held in late September and early October due to the better weather in early autumn. ⸻ 🍺 Beer Features • The beer served at Oktoberfest is called Festbier (festival beer), brewed specifically for the festival. • With an alcohol content of approximately 6%, it's slightly higher than a typical lager, giving it a richer flavor and a malty aroma. • Only six major Munich breweries offer the official Oktoberfest beer: 1. Paulaner 2. Spaten 3. Hofbräu 4. Augustiner 5. Löwenbräu 6. Hacker-Pschorr ⸻ 🏰 Festive Atmosphere • The Oktoberfest grounds resemble a giant carnival: • Festzelt: Each brewery sets up its own tent, which can accommodate thousands of people. Inside, live bands perform Bavarian folk and popular songs. • Traditional Clothing: Many participants wear traditional attire: • Men wear Lederhosen (lederhosen) • Women wear Dirndl (traditional skirt) • Food: The classic pairing is beer with German cuisine, such as: • Roast chicken (Brathendl) • German sausages (Bratwurst) • Pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe) • Pretzels (Brezn) • Sauerkraut (Sauerkraut) ⸻ 🎶 Events and Traditions 1. Opening Parade (Einzug der Wiesnwirte) • On the first day, there is a grand parade, with horse-drawn carriages carrying beer barrels into the venue. 2. Barrel Opening Ceremony (O’zapft is!) • The Mayor of Munich opens the first barrel of beer in the Schottenhamel tent, shouting "O’zapft is!" (Bavarian dialect: "The beer barrel is open!"), signaling the official start of Oktoberfest. 3. Traditional Music and Dance • A live band will play the "Cheers Song" (Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit), and everyone will toast and celebrate. 4. Amusement Rides • Oktoberfest isn't just about drinking; it also features large attractions like Ferris wheels, carousels, and roller coasters, making it perfect for family fun. ⸻ 📅 Dates and Scale • Dates: Typically 16 to 18 days (mid-September to the first Sunday in October). • Location: Theresienwiese, Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany. • Scale: Over 6 million people attend each year, consuming over 7 million liters of beer. ⸻ 🍻 Special Facts • Oktoberfest has been canceled due to wars and epidemics (e.g., during both world wars, and in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). • A beer mug (Maskrug) is a large, 1-liter glass that weighs approximately 2.5 kilograms when fully filled, posing a significant challenge for waitstaff. • Bavarians value "slow drinking, conversation, and enjoying the atmosphere" rather than simply competing in drinking.