Oktoberfest

Germany's world-famous Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Prince Ludwig to his beloved Therese. Every year several huge tents with picnic tables are set up in Munich's Theresienwiese, or Therese's Meadow, where local residents and visitors from around the world throw back enormous quantities of beer and sausages.

Even though the festival is named for the month of October, Oktoberfest actually begins in September and runs for 16 days until the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest is the world's largest fair held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. To the locals, it is not called Oktoberfest, but "die Wies'n", after the colloquial name of the fairgrounds (Theresienwiese) themselves. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since 1810. Other cities across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations, modeled after the original Munich event.

The Munich Oktoberfest originally took place during the sixteen days up to, and including, the first Sunday in October. In 1994, the schedule was modified in response to German reunification so that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, then the festival would go on until October 3 (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is now 17 days when the first Sunday is October 2 and 18 days when it is October 1.

Beer is Oktoberfest's main attraction. Several million liters are consumed every year at the affair. Some revelers, of course, have a wee bit too much fun.

Oktoberfest is a time extravaganza of beer, wursts, pretzels, traditional drinking songs and, of course, more beer.

History

Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields were named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's meadow") in honor of the Crown Princess, and have kept that name ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n".

Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.

"The festival was eventually prolonged and moved ahead to September to allow for better weather conditions. Today, the last day of the festival is the first Sunday in October. In 2006, the Oktoberfest extended two extra days because the first Tuesday, October 3, was a national holiday. Over the past 200 years, Oktoberfest was canceled 24 times due to cholera epidemics and war."

To honor the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, a parade took place for the first time in 1810. Since 1850, this has become an annual event and an important component of the Oktoberfest. Eight thousand people—mostly from Bavaria—in traditional costumes walk from Maximilian Street through the center of Munich to the Oktoberfest grounds. The march is led by the Münchner Kindl.

Tents

There are currently fourteen large tents and twenty small tents at the Oktoberfest. The tents themselves are non-permanent structures which are constructed for and only used during the festival. The beer (or wine) served in each is in the accompanying table.

Oktoberfest recipes

Blaukraut (German braised red cabbage)

Blaukraut, also known as rotkraut or rotkohl, is a popular German side dish. It is most often served with pork, sausages, goose, duck or game and a side of mashed potatoes or potato dumplings. In England, the same dish is called Suffolk red cabbage. 

Kartoffelknödel (German potato dumplings)

Kartoffelknödel figure in the cuisine of most of the regions of Germany, and are a typical side dish with roasted and braised meats. This particular dumpling recipe, using both cooked and raw potatoes, comes from Bavaria. Potato dumplings are also popular in the Czech Republic, where they are known asbramborové knedlíky.

Kartoffelpuffer, or Reibekuchen (German potato pancakes or potato salad)

Two basic types of potato salad are made in Germany. In the north, the potatoes are held together with mayonnaise. In the southern regions of Swabia and Bavaria and in Austria, Kartoffelsalat is mixed with hot broth, oil and vinegar. 

Obatzter (German beer cheese spread)

Obatzter (pronounced "OH-bots-duh") is a Bavarian full-flavored cheese spread. Classic Biergarten fare, Obatzter is especially popular at Oktoberfest celebrations. Also spelled Obazda or Obatzda. Known as angemachter Käse or Gerupfter in the state of Franken. 

Schweinebraten (German roast pork)

Roast pork is a popular Sunday meal in Central Europe. In Germany, Schweinebraten is most often served with braised cabbage or sauerkraut, dumplings and a fine pilsener. In the Czech Republic this dish is known as vepřová pečeně. In Poland, it is called pieczeń wieprzowa. 

Wiener Backhendl (Austrian breaded fried chicken)

Viennese fried chicken has a long history reaching back to the 18th century, when it was much in vogue as a dish for the aristocracy and upper classes. Serve with lemon wedges and parslied potatoes, potato salad or a tossed green salad.Backhendl is also popular in Munich for Oktoberfest. Also known as Backhähnchen or poulet frit à la viennoise. 

Beer

Among the many attractions, the "liquid gold" is probably the most important thing at the Oktoberfest. As usual, over 6 million liters of beer will be drunk this year.

The Bavarian Purity Requirements:

It's no coincidence, that Bavaria has the best beer in the world: Since the 16th century there have been strong regulations about brewing beer and how to keep up the high quality of the final product by choosing the ingredients very carefully. One of the oldest laws concerning food and drink are the Bavarian Purity Requirements, decreed by Duke William IV. in 1516: Only water, hops and barley should be used to brew Bavarian beer.

Who would enjoy Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is the perfect celebration to observe timeless traditions, meet people from all over the world, immerse yourself in new cultures, and eat, drink, and be merry in true Bavarian style.

Although beer appears to be the main event of Oktoberfest, a lot of visitors come for the many other attractions. If giant Ferris wheels, old-fashioned carousels, and wild roller coasters make your heart swoon, then Oktoberfest holds endless delights for you. Children particularly love the rides with fairytale heroes and spooky ghost trains. 

Oktoberfest is famous for its huge beers in heavy steins, but there is more; link arms with locals, swing to the Oompha of Bavarian bands, admire traditional costumes, and get a good helping of German hospitality.

1.  Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries

Watch the landlords of the Oktoberfest beer halls and the Oktoberfest breweries make their festive entry to the Theresienwiese, the annual location of the festival. The parade displays historic horse-drawn carriages, traditionally decorated floats, and all Oktoberfest bands.

• When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 21st, 2013; 10:45 a.m.
• Where: From Sonnenstraße/ Schwanthalerstraße to Theresienwiese

2.  Opening Ceremony of the Oktoberfest

Celebrate the official opening ceremony of Oktoberfest: At noon sharp, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer with the traditional cry "O`zapft is!" ("It is tapped!"), followed by a 12 gun salute. After that, all Oktoberfest beer halls are allowed to tap their beer kegs, and Oktoberfest gets into full swing...

• When: First Saturday of Oktoberfest: September 21st, 2013; at noon (come as early as 9 a.m. if you want to have a good seat.) 
• Where: In the Oktoberfest tent called "Schottenhamel".

3.  Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen's Parade

This Oktoberfest parade is one of the best and most colorful displays of Bavarian history, culture, and tradition; watch regional costume groups, "troops" in historical uniforms, marching bands, riflemen, thoroughbred horses, and even oxen, cows, and goats pass by in a 3-mile long procession. 
The parade leads through Munich's city center and boasts more than 7000 performers, showcasing ribboned trees, harvest garlands, and historic craftsmen's tools.

• When: First Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 22nd, 2013; 09:45 a.m. 
• Where: Max II Landmark - Maximilianstraße - Odeonsplatz - Pacellistrasse - Karlsplatz-Stachus - Sonnenstraße - Schwanthalerstraße - Kaiser-Ludwig-Platz - Theresienwiese

4.  Open-Air Oktoberfest Concert

Enjoy a big open-air concert with all Oktoberfest bands; more than 400 Bavarian musicians play it up on the steps of the impressive Bavaria statue, one of the biggest bronze statues in the world.

• When: Second Sunday of Oktoberfest: September 29, 2013; 11:00 a.m. (If the weather is bad, the concert will take place one week later.) 
• Where: At the Bavaria statue, located at the border of Theresienwiese.