German Oktoberfest More Than a Beer Festival
1810 Munich Royal Wedding Party Becomes Annual Celebration
Sep 2, 2008
Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is the world's biggest party, associated with good times, sausage sandwiches and beer drinking. This Bavarian festival has historic origins in a royal wedding. The festival is wildly popular, attracting millions of people from around the world the to beer halls and beer tents of Munich. Oktoberfest festivals are increasingly popular in the United States. Albeit smaller than the original Munich festival, the sister festivals bring Gemutlickheit and good cheer to various towns in America.
History of Oktoberfest
A royal wedding was held in Munich in 1810 for the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildberghausen. The Royal family invited the townspeople to a party in the town square to celebrate their joy at the royal union. The party for the Royal Wedding was concluded by horse races in the presence of the Royal Family. The horse races were so popular that another festival was held the following year. The festivals became a popular annual event in Bavaria.
The horse races were joined by an agricultural show in 1811. The fall harvest season became a part of the event. Eventually amusements were added. Small beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and beer halls. A fun fair featured carousel rides and amusements.
Horse races are no longer a part of Oktoberfest, but the agricultural show takes place every three years. This history of the Oktoberfest festival may be found on the official Munich website.
Oktoberfest in Munich
Munich's 2007 festival attracted over six million people from around the world, according to the Munchen website. The 2008 festival takes place from September 20 until October 5.
Oktoberfest Fun Facts and Useful Information
Whether traveling to Munich, or finding a smaller festival in America, there are certain terms that may be useful. The Big Bear Events website, of Big Bear, California; offers explanations of useful terms related to Oktoberfest, including knockwurst, bratwurst, Prosit, Gemutlichkeit, gaudi, Chicken Dance, Budenstrasse, lederhosen and dirndl. Here are some brief definitions.
- Herzlich - A Hearty Welcome
- Knockwurst - German sausage, equivalent of a hot dog, but much larger. Knockwurst is made mostly of beef. Germans eat it on a small roll with spicy mustard, rather than ketchup.
- Bratwurst - White sausage made of pork, veal and spices.
- Eins, Zwei, Drei G'Suffa - Toast chanted before taking a swig of beer. One, Two, Three Drink!
- Prost! - Cheers.
- Zicke-Zicka, Zicke-Zicka, Hoi, Hoi, Hoi! - This does not mean anything. It is a fun soccer cheer that originated in Northern Germany. This is a frequent group shout after taking a swig of beer.
- Gaudi - Loosely translated into "Have fun and good times."
- Gemutlickheit - Feeling of well being when enjoying cold beer, good food and great company.
- The Chicken Dance - Dance craze popular in Germany for over 22 years The results are hilarious when a group of celebrants imitates a chicken to music. Chicken Dance is a great way to get people up and moving around.
- Budenstrassa - Avenue of Booths, which is a fairway at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Booths features games, souvenirs, crafts and food.
- Lederhosen - Leather shorts worn in the mountain regions of Germany. Lederhosen originated in the early Middle Ages. Leather shorts are worn with wool socks, designed to keep the legs warm.
- Dirndl - Traditional folk dress designed to accentuate the curves of the woman's body. The dirndl has a tight bodice, full skirt and fanciful design elements.
- Auf Weidersehen - Good Bye.
Drink Responsiblity
Oktoberfest in Munich is held in a town square, which is within walking distance or a cab ride from city hotels. Drink responsibly and choose a designated driver if traveling by car to any festival.
Prost!
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