Oktoberfest Origins

Beer flows freely at Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest is a German holiday celebrated around the world. Its origins are in Munich, the location of the biggest party. It was originally a festival to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese on October 12, 1810, but it has grown into a fall celebration of good beer, good food and the harvest.

Oktoberfest's Beginnings

On the occasion of the prince's marriage to Princess Therese, the residents of Munich were invited to a five-day festival on the fields in front of the city gates. The main event was a horse race. At the time of this festival, such events were unheard of as royalty did not mingle with the common people. The first Oktoberfest drew 40,000 people and was such a successful event that it became an annual tradition, canceled only in times of war or disease.

Traditions of Oktoberfest

Although the original Oktoberfest was arranged around a horse race, this event has been discontinued. Now, Oktoberfest is one of the main attractions for the town of Munich and continues for 16 days. It begins in mid-September and lasts until the first Sunday in October, drawing up to 6 million participants. Oktoberfest is sponsored by the major Munich breweries, and more than 5 million liters of beer are consumed every year. The event is not confined to Munich, as many other cities sponsor Oktoberfest celebrations each year as well. Cincinnati, Ohio, has one of the largest celebrations outside of Munich.

Types of Food Served at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a traditional harvest celebration, and fall Bavarian fare is offered in all its splendor. Sausages, sauerkraut and beer are staples, but German potato salad, spaetzle (a red cabbage dish) and potato dumplings are also served.

Beers Served at Oktoberfest

Beer is the main attraction for any Oktoberfest celebration, and the traditional beer served is a rich Marzen. Reddish-amber in color, it is a full-bodied fall brew that goes best with the traditional beef and veal dishes of Germany. Many breweries also offer a lighter, specially brewed Oktoberfest beer that is only made once a year.

North American Oktoberfest Celebrations

The biggest North American Oktoberfest celebration is Oktoberfest ZinnZinnati, held annually in Cincinnati, Ohio. This festival features beer and one of the biggest chicken dances in the U.S. Other places to celebrate Oktoberfest include Frankenmuth, Michigan, and Snowbird, Utah.

References

• Vistawide: History of Oktoberfest
• Beer Advocate: The History of Oktoberfest
• Global Gourmet: Oktoberfest