Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. It takes place annually in late September and early October. Although there are many incarnations throughout the world, the original and most popular festival is in Munich, Germany, where Oktoberfest originated. Traditionally, about six million people from every corner of the earth come to celebrate Wiesn, as the locals call it, every year. The first Oktoberfest celebration was in 1810. It was so successful and popular that it has been an annual event ever since. Although it is known as a beer festival, there is so much more involved in the 17-day event. There are also amusement rides, games, and lots of food. If the idea of Oktoberfest sounds appealing for you, continue reading to learn all about it.
When is Oktoberfest
If you want to check out the festivities at Oktoberfest for yourself this year, you can head to Munich for the September 17th start. If you cannot get there for the start of it, Oktoberfest runs through October 3. Since you will have such a great time, you might want to plan ahead for future trips.
…show more content…
However, these fests are not referred to as “Oktoberfests” because they are not meant to be imitations of the original. The fairs in Bavaria are known, instead, as “Dult, Volksfest”, or “popular festival”. The most popular of the celebrations in Bavaria is the Gaubodenvolksfest in Straubing. This celebration is family-friendly and includes over 120 carousels as well as roller coasters. It also has six beer tents that combine to seat about 25,000 people. Only beer that is brewed in Straubing or Straubing-Bogen can be served there. It maintains a traditional character and most of the visitors arrive wearing traditional Bavarian costumes (Trachten). This festival occurs much earlier than Oktoberfest. It begins in mid-August and extends for 11 days. During this time, which the city considers its “fifth season” many companies close in commemoration of