History : Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is one of the worlds largest beer festival and traveling funfair. It is held each year in Munich, Bavaria Germany. The festival last between 16 to 18 days. A folk festival that runs from mid or late September to the first weekend in October. More than 6 million people from around the world will attend the event every year. It was the Bavarian culture that started the Oktoberfest and was hosted since 1810.

During the 16 day festival large quantities of Oktoberfest Beer will be consumed. Amusement rides, sidestalls and games will all be part of the large festival. Traditional foods like roast chicken, roast pork, grilled ham hock, grilled fish on the stick, sausages along with pretzels will all be served. Potato or bread dumplings, cheese noodles, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and a spicy cheese butter spread and white sausage will all be served. 

On October 12th 1810 the King Ludwig married Princess Therese. The citizens of Munich were all invited to attend the festivities. Horse races to honor the newlyweds was hosted on October 17th. The decision to repeat a festival and horse races remain a matter of controversy. It would start the tradition of the Oktoberfest. Tastings of wines and beers would take place above the visitors in the strands on the hill. 

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The Oktoberfest continued to grow to promote Bavarian agriculture a show was added. In later years tree climbing, bowling alleys, and swings were added. Carnival booths appeared around 1818. The date of the festival was pushed forward to accompany the days of September. The horse races ended in 1960. The ag shows continue and held every 4 years as part of the festival.

In 1810 a parade was put on to honor the newlywed couple and in 1850 the parade became an annual event and continues today. A few different times Oktoberfest was not put on through history. In 1880 electricity lit up more than 400 booths and tents. The next years would see bratwurst and beer was sold in glass mugs. 

Today's Oktoberfest and beer tents have been made easier for elderly and families to enjoy. In 2005 the orchestras in the tents only play quiet folk style music til 6 p.m. After that pop or electric music is played.