The Octoberfest: A festival of fun, energy and liveliness

Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival originated in Germany. It is also the world's largest Volksfest(beer festival). It extends for around 16-18 days, asserts so much of energy and enthusiasm that you might never forget for the rest of your life. Thousands of people gather in the carnival, enjoying music, food, rides, adventures and parades. During the festival, a large quantity of Oktoberfest beer is consumed. People also take those beers in their homes, celebrating the festival to full extent. Visitors also enjoy numerous attractions, including games, amusement rides and sidestalls.

Origin and History

The history of this festival takes us to the times of Ancient German Empires. During 1700's-1800's, Crown prince Ludwig married Princess Therese on October 12th, 1810. People from all over the city off Munich were invited to attend the festivities of the royal event. Horse races were organized for Prince and Princesses and the attendees for their entertainment. A fairground was organized outside the city in a naturally suitable location. Over 40000 spectators attended the fairground, enjoying the spectacular horse race with the Prince and princess.

There were various beers too, from old Traiteurs to Bordeaux, each available to the public, along with lots of food options, taking the celebration to perfection. Since then, the king organized the celebrations every year, creating the festival among the masses. The festival spread out to neighboring cities and states, and soon, it became world famous as one of the biggest beer festivals around the globe.

Some highlights and customs of the Octoberfest

Beer Barrels

After the parades, the restaurants and shops are filled with people performing the famous "beer barrel tapping" ceremony. This has to be performed at exactly 12 o'clock. Once the barrel is tapped, the Oktoberfest is considered "open". Some of the famous beers brewed in the city of Munich are:

Paulander

Lowenbrau

Spatenbrau

These beers are in the "club of Munich brewers", served in Munich Oktoberfest festival.

Parades

Among the parades, the traditional costume parade is the most honorable. It took place in 1835 for the first time. Since 1835, is has become one of the world's largest parades of it's kind.