Oktoberfest in Munich - the world's largest folk festival
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The Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest folk festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors to the Theresienwiese every year. But since when has the Wiesn actually existed and what makes it so special? Here you can find out everything you need to know about the Munich Oktoberfest.
History and Beginnings
The history of the Oktoberfest begins in 1810. On the occasion of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese, a large horse race took place on October 17. The festival grounds were named "Theresienwiese" after the bride. The horse race was so well received that it was held again and again in the following years - the birth of the Oktoberfest.
Over the decades, the festival developed further and further. From 1850, stalls and carousels were set up, and in 1881 the first chicken roastery opened. At the end of the 19th century, the first large beer tents were added. Since 1950, the Oktoberfest has been opened with the traditional tapping of the keg by the Mayor of Munich in the Schottenhamel festival tent.
Traditions and Attractions
In addition to the tapping of the keg, the highlights and fixed traditions of the Wiesn include the parade of the Wiesn landlords and breweries as well as the large costume and riflemen's parade on the first Wiesn Sunday.
Every year, visitors can expect around 40 beer tents and over 200 showmen and rides on the festival grounds.
Tragic events worth knowing
In its long history, there have also been some tragic events at the Oktoberfest. In 1887, a kerosene lamp exploded and set 18 tents on fire. In 1980, there was a bomb attack with 13 deaths and over 200 injured.
The Oktoberfest had to be cancelled 26 times in its history due to wars and cholera epidemics. Most recently, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Corona pandemic.
Records at the Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest sets new records every year. In 2023, 7.2 million visitors came for the first time - an all-time record. In 2019, 7.3 million liters of beer were sold. The price for a liter rose from 0.90 marks in 1950 to up to 13.80 euros in 2022.
Most visitors remain peaceful. But in 2019, almost 800 drunk road users had to be stopped. Beer mug theft is also a perennial issue: Almost 100,000 beer mugs were confiscated at the tent exits in 2019.
The Munich Oktoberfest is a unique experience full of traditions, attractions and records. Despite some downsides, the fun at the Wiesn outweighs for most visitors. The world's largest folk festival will certainly continue to surprise us with crazy stories and new records in the future.
