The History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, often synonymous with German drinking culture, is one of the oldest drinking holidays. Held annually from mid-September to early October in Munich, this fine tradition has been going strong for more than 200 years. 

 

The largest beer festival in the world draws an estimated six million visitors yearly. Guests of the fest enjoy the various sights and sounds, thousands of pounds of grilled meat, and of course, millions upon millions of liters of German beer. 

 

The festivities kick off at noon on the second to the last Saturday when the mayor of Munich knocks the very first barrel over at the Schottenhamel Tent and proclaims "O'zapft is" or "it's open." The last day of this event is on the first Sunday of October, immediately following the celebration of German Unity Day.

 

While it's a grand celebration of German heritage and brews, have you ever wondered how Oktoberfest came to be? Or if brewers create a special beer for the event?

 

The Origin of Oktoberfest

This yearly tradition began in 1810 to commemorate the wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. The residents of Munich were encouraged to take part in the five days (October 12-17) of grand festivities, which took place on the fields right in front of the city gates. Overjoyed by the experience, the royal couple decided that the celebration should be repeated yearly.

 

The residents of Munich were happy to oblige to the couple's wishes. Each year, the celebrations became grander and included carousels, agricultural shows, and various races. Eventually, the city permitted beer on the fairgrounds, and makeshift beer stands soon followed. However, beer halls weren't set up on the fairgrounds until 1896. Then, around the turn of the century, the festival was moved to late September to take advantage of the warmer weather. 

 

Most of the year, the fair's grounds function as a public park - aptly named Theresienwiese,  or "Theresa's fields," to honor the Crown Princess. In June, preparations begin for Oktoberfest.  

 

What Beer Do Revelers Enjoy During Oktoberfest?

It's often said that Germans know their beer. Thus, it makes sense why Oktoberfest is famously known as a beer festival. On the grounds, there are a whopping 14 beer tents serving beer by the liter. However, only six Munich-based breweries are allowed to serve beer during the festivities. 

 

The beer of Oktoberfest is Märzen, a darker brew with an alcohol content as high as 6 percent. According to German history, this specific kind of beer started brewing in March and aged throughout the summer to be ready in time for Oktoberfest. Today, Märzen is brewed according to ridiculously meticulous German standards known as Reinheitsgebot. Since 1516, these brewing regulations accurately determine just how much hops, barley, yeast, and malt are allowed during the brewing process.

 

Oktoberfest is an experience unlike any other, with the highlight of this festival being delicious German beer. Luckily, you don't have to travel to Munich to celebrate. Instead, bring Bavaria to your home by picking up some Hefe Weizen or other Oktoberfest-inspired brews and some pretzels and schnitzel. Prost!

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Sources

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/magazine/tradition/the-history-of-oktoberfest