Oktoberfest in GermanyOktoberfest in Germany is one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's biggest fair. While towns and cities in the US and other countries have adopted Oktoberfest, the real celebration is in Munich. Oktoberfest began in Munich in October (hence the name)of 1810. The celebrations in the early years were very different than they are today. Wars and other disasters have prevented Oktoberfest in Germany from happening many times during its history. Now the festivities start in September and last through the first weekend of October. Depending when October 3rd (German Unity Day) falls the festival is anywhere from 16 - 18 days. Last year was the 200th anniversary and one of the largest fairs ever with nearly 6 and a half million visitors. A special historic "Old Oktoberfest" was held in the south section of Theresienwiese (an area near Munich's center). Old rides, an especially traditional beer tent and a music and folklore singer tent "Zur Schönheitskönigin" ("the beauty queen"). In contrast to the free "normal" Oktoberfest, the "Oide Oktoberfest" had an entrance fee of 3 Euros with children under 14 getting in free. It was very successful last year so the organizers have decided to have it again. In 2011, Oktoberfest in Germany lasts from September 17th through October 3rd. It used to be simple to go to Oktoberfest in Germany. Just book plane reservations and a hotel and you were all set. Now the logistics are more involved.
And there is much more to Oktoberfest in Germany than just beer. There is food to go along with the beer and lots of entertainment, Oktoberfest traditions and special Oktoberfest events. Then there is the carnival and the rides. In spite of its reputation for extreme drinking and bad behavior, this is a family event. As long as the children (under the age of six) leave the tents by 8:00 pm. It wouldn't be much fun for them after that anyway since the tents get very crowded in the evenings.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. Beer and(or) wine is served in each along with food. The tents are traditionally sponsored by one of the major Munich breweries. Breweries may sponsor several tents both large and small. |
