Oktoberfest is the biggest annual event in Germany. Every year, over 6 million people from all over the world attend the festival. But how did this massive event start, and what made it so popular over the years?
At Oktoberfest, people can indulge in authentic German cuisine and beer. There are also loads of activities to do and hundreds of themed tents to visit. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of Oktoberfest and how it became a Worldwide Success.
The History of Oktoberfest
You may think that Oktoberfest is a new event, but it’s been around for centuries. This festival started on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the prince of Bavaria who married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Later, the prince became King Louis 1.
A year after the wedding, the public wanted more celebrations, and although there weren’t any tents or fairgrounds, it marked the start of Oktoberfest. In 1819, the festival became a top priority, but it needed a new organizer, which the Bavarian Agricultural Association was happy to take over.
Then, In 1824, Michael Dall’Armi was awarded a gold citizens medal by the city of Munich for inventing the event.
Oktoberfest Slows Down During World War I and II
According to the Oktoberfest website, in the first half of the 20th century, the festival had to be canceled due to World War I and II. During this time, the event was held as a small autumn festival.
Fast forward to 1950, Mayor Thomas Wimmer tapped the very first beer barrel. It became a tradition for the Mayor to do the tapping of the October beer barrel. Visitors can only start drinking when the Mayor opens the first keg of beer.
How Oktoberfest Became Popular
The Customer is King
The locals in Munich and the organizers of Oktoberfest believe that the customer is king. This means that you get top-notch services from the waiters and waitresses. The more the customers are happy, the more likely they are to return.
Customers will also give positive reviews of their experience at Oktoberfest, which will inspire others to attend the event. So, the organizers and staff work tirelessly to make sure the event is pleasant for everyone involved.
There Are Rules to Follow
For Oktoberfest to be fun for everyone, there are rules you have to follow so that you don’t disturb all the other attendees. The organizers of the event prohibit visitors from bringing large prams or strollers into the event as space is limited.
You are also not allowed to bring any dangerous items in your bag, like aerosols or other substances that can irritate attendees. Another rule is to be courteous to your fellow man. Don’t scream, shout, or dance on tables.
Authentic German Food
Another reason why Oktoberfest is so popular is because of all the delicious food you get to eat, such as:
- Pork schnitzel
- German potato salad
- Lebkuchen
- Lemon Spezi
- Soft pretzels
- Dumplings
- Various types of cheese
Smaller tents may have smaller menus that sell seafood or different types of dried meat. But the bigger tents will have their own set menu where you can buy bigger meals that are cooked to perfection.
You Never Run Out of Beer
Beer is a staple at Oktoberfest. In 2022, over 5.6 million liters of beer were consumed at the festival. Hofbräu is the strongest of the beers sold at the festival, with an alcohol content of 6.2%.
Dark, malt-forward Märzen and the lighter, hoppier Festbier are the two popular German lagers consumed at the event. Thanks to the festival being well organized, you’ll never run out of beer to drink.
There Are Hundreds of Tents to Visit
There are various themed tents to attend at Oktoberfest, and each one has its own unique charm. You can visit any of the 21 smaller tents, or if you want to be part of a larger crowd, go to one of the 17 bigger tents.
The Hofbräu tent is one of the most popular tents to visit because of the massive energy and enthusiasm people have. Most of the attendees are international tourists, so you’ll meet people from all walks of life. The decor inside the tent is also breathtaking.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why Oktoberfest is such a worldwide sensation. The German locals and organizers know how to throw massive parties and amazing events where people can simply let loose and have a good time. If you do decide to go to Oktoberfest, make sure you try all types of authentic German beer, but also be sure to look after yourself because it’s easy to overindulge.