Everything you need to know about the legendary Munich beer festival
With more than 200 editions, Oktoberfest has evolved over time, becoming today one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country and attracting almost 7 million people each year. Here are 4 anecdotes to know about this Oktoberfest like no other.
1. Oktoberfest ?
Why the name “Oktoberfest” when the party takes place in September? The first Oktoberfest was celebrated during the marriage of Luis I of Bavaria to Teresa of Saxony on October 17, 1810. After the success of the first edition, the festival was repeated every year. But, given the climate in Munich, it has been moved forward in the calendar to be able to take advantage of milder temperatures.
2. Not just any beer!
Bavaria is made up of more than 600 beer factories, but only Munich breweries have the right to sell their beers during Oktoberfest: Agustiner (1328), Hofbräu (1589), Löwenbräu (1524), Hacker-Pschorr (1417) and Spaten (1397).
3. We don't just drink!
Of course, drinking so many beers makes you hungry! The best is to eat a halb Hendl, a small chicken (around half a million sells for each new edition) or Bretzel, biscuits typical of Bavaria and the Austrian area.
4. The costumes
Traditional costumes are booming in recent years among young people. Although they are common to see them in celebrations or going to mass, all occasions are good to wear them, and especially during Oktoberfest when tourists can buy them.
Note: In 2015, Oktoberfest takes place from September 19 to October 4.
