When the mid-September winds start to bring the chills and the air feels boozy, you should take it as a sign that Oktoberfest is around the corner. If you’re scratching your head thinking we don’t know how to spell ‘October’, let us enlighten you!
Oktoberfest is a festival that happens in Munich, Germany where everyone gathers up and basically celebrates the world’s most loved alcoholic beverage, i.e. beer! We’re sure you want to know more, so read on as we take you through 15 Oktoberfest fun facts you should know!
It Doesn’t Begin In October
As jarring and misleading as it sounds, it’s the truth. Oktoberfest actually begins in the month of September each year. Oktoberfest 2022 is due to start on 17 September and the celebrations end on 3 October.
The first festival happened on October 12 in the year 1801 but as the years went by, the month changed. As the festival became an annual affair and got more popular, the month of September made more sense to organize it because of its sunny and warm weather.
It’s Essentially An Anniversary Party
Yes, we were as shocked as you to know that Oktoberfest didn’t just start with a bunch of people getting together and chugging beer. The history of the fest is, in fact, pretty rich and royal.
The first event happened on October 12 in the year 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Instead of a royal affair, it was a party for everyone and became an annual tradition.
You’ll be surprised to know that there was no beer involved in the celebration till the year 1819. The beer came to the party when the brewers replaced the traditional horse parade with their beers and as we all know, once beer enters a party, it stays!
Celebration Of Bavarian Culture
Yes, beer is a big part of the celebration and a prime reason behind the hype but at its heart, Oktoberfest will always be a celebration of Bavarian culture. Oktoberfest is also known as ‘Wiesn’ by the locals.
The name has been derived from Theresienwiese, which is the same field where the royal wedding took place. You’ll be spoiled with Bavarian food, arts, clothes, culture, and of course, drinks!
Also Read: How To Pour A Beer Into A Glass
It Has Been Canceled 24 Times
Oktoberfest is one of the longest-standing cultural festivals so obviously, it’s seen bright and dark days. The world has been through a lot and we all know of the World Wars and Germany’s place in them.
Owing to wars, epidemics, and plagues, Oktoberfest has been canceled 24 times as of now. We sure hope that the future remains brighter!
Oktoberfest Has A Post Office Of Its Own
It’s not a small or new fest so obviously, Oktoberfest requires its own post office to maintain the communication with millions of attendees. You’ll be surprised to know that around 130000 postcards and gifts are sent every year!
Regular Beer Isn’t Served At The Fest
Oktoberfest doesn’t serve your regular beer, rather, all the beer of the fest is brewed exclusively in Munich. There are just 6 Munich breweries that get a license and have their separate tents serving their own beer.
The breweries are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Märzen or Märzenbier translates to ‘March beer’, which is a traditional lager popularly served during Oktoberfest.
Also Read: Best Places To Try Craft Beer In India
Rules Are Important
In the words of Monica Geller, “Rules are good, they help you control the fun”. This is the case where over 6 million gather to drink beer and let loose. You can’t conduct a boozy festival without imposing strict rules, or it’s a recipe for disaster.
Consent is very important here and you can’t force anyone to drink if they aren’t keen. Other than that, you can’t simply go and start drinking. People can start drinking only after the O’zapft is a ceremony where the mayor uncorks the first keg of beer.
Also Read: Types Of Beer Glasses
You’ll See Lots Of Bavarian Hats
The hairier the hat, the richer the person was considered. Hats are a very important part of the celebration and you’ll see the traditional locals adorning them with pride. The Bavarian hats are also known as Tirolerhüte and used to have clumps of goat hair on them. Today, synthetic hats have replaced traditional hats so there are no hat-based comparisons of people and their financial positions.
The Lost And Found Office Has The Most Absurd Collection
6 million people drunk on unlimited beer will obviously invite missing items and mishaps. The Lost And Found Office of Oktoberfest has seen it all; from wedding rings and dentures to even missing children, nothing is a surprise.
The Purpose Of Drinking Was To Stay Healthy
No, we’re not talking about drinking your pain away – here, it was about the necessity. Drinking was not common during the time the festival started and people were going through wars, cholera, and plagues.
Beer has many nutritious properties and even helps with strengthening bones, so the locals started drinking it to stay away from the sickness surrounding them.
Also Read: How To Enjoy The Taste Of Beer
Children Are A Part Of The Celebration
Oktoberfest is a cultural celebration and a carnival which is why it attracts plenty of families. There are interesting activities, events, and great food to enjoy so you’ll see many kids along with their folks.
It’s also pretty common to lose kids in this mass gathering. You’ll be amused to know that losing kids is so common that the Lost And Found Office has an entire separation section dedicated to finding them.
The Activities Are As Crazy As You Heard Them To Be
Sure, there are rules, but the fun is unhinged here. There are 6 kinds of beers in the fest and you’ll witness them flowing in the form of rivers. There are also many competitions involving drinking and eating! You’ll find yourself engaged in activities like blind beer contests, crossbow competitions, chicken dances, Beer Stein, etc.
Just make sure you don’t go overboard with all the drinking because you wouldn’t want to end up becoming a Beer Corpse, which is what a person passed out on the ground with all the drinking is called!
The Beer Served At Oktoberfest Has High ABV
As we mentioned, the beer is made strictly in Munich by the breweries and the special part is the fact that it has high alcohol content in it. Generally, the beers have 4 to 4.5 ABV while the beers at Oktoberfest have a 5.5 to 5% ABV. So, don’t go all crazy because you’ll get drunk quicker.
Also Read: Affordable Beer Brands
Albert Einstein Worked Here
Oktoberfest is no stranger to popular names but this one is pretty random because the genius wasn’t an attendee but rather a worker in 1896. Before the world knew and appreciated his genius, Albert Einstein worked in Oktoberfest as an electrician and also helped to set up one of the beer tents.
Folk Music Is A Big Part Of Oktoberfest
As we said, it’s a cultural festival at its core. In the tents where you’ll find the beers, there are bands playing music. You’ll witness folk music at its finest and musicians playing a homage to their culture.
Also Read: Beer Cocktails That You Can Enjoy At Home
Summing Up
Oktoberfest ticks all the boxes when it comes to expectations from a cultural fest. We’re sure our 15 Oktoberfest fun facts inspired you to celebrate this fest in your own way. Yes, it’s mainly celebrated in Munich, Germany but come on, beer is a universal drink and we all love to celebrate it.
Keep an eye on your nearby breweries and their offers at this time since several breweries across the world like to celebrate their own mini Oktoberfests. It’s festival time, let’s cheer!
FAQs
Is Oktoberfest 2024 Canceled?
No, Oktoberfest is not canceled this year. The fest will take place from 21 September to 6 October.
Is Oktoberfest Expensive?
There is no entry fee to attend the festival or enter the tents. But, the beers generally cost 12 to 13 euros. So, if you get carried away there, the overall bill can be a lot.
Is Oktoberfest In Germany Worth It?
Oktoberfest definitely is going to be a memorable experience. It’s one of the most famous and oldest fests in the world with all its grandeur and beer. You’ll need to plan wisely and ahead but trust us, you’ll have a gala time.
What Do You Wear To Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a cultural celebration so you’ll see people adorning Bavarian clothes. Whether locals or tourists, many people wear traditional Bavarian outfits by choice but it’s definitely not mandatory. Just make sure you feel comfortable and fabulous in whatever you decide to wear.
How Long Should You Go To Oktoberfest For?
You should at least go to Oktoberfest for two to three days to experience everything. The fest is a long one with many days but 2-3 days will be sufficient to experience everything.
Do People Get Drunk At Oktoberfest?
We’re talking about beer rivers here so obviously people get drunk here. You’ll see beer glasses and beer corpses (people passing out on the grounds after heavy drinking) everywhere. So, drink but be smart.
What Is The Most Popular Oktoberfest Food?
Hendl (½ roast chicken) is the most popular food in Oktoberfest. Other than that, sausages, potato pancakes, and pretzels are also the favorite of the visitors.
Is There Only Beer At Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is one of the biggest beer festivals so primarily you’ll find beers but that’s not it. If you’re a wine enthusiast, know that there are great white and red wines available.
