Oktoberfest for a lot of people means different things. Some take it as a weekend in October to eat brawursts and drink tons of beer. While to others it, well, probably just beer drinking.
Oktoberfest : A Forgotten History
Historically, Oktoberfest has a significant meaning that went beyond german beer and
sausages!
Oktoberfest was an annual two week festival in Munich, Germany to celebrate the marriage of the prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese vin Sachsen-Hildburghausen. A lot of the festival has changed since it was first started in 1810. (For the fully history, visit the official Oktoberfest website.)
Over the years, it had become a time and place for agricultural fairs and large beer halls. In the late 20th century, the typical beer consumption at the time was upwards of 75,800 Hectolitres over the two week period!
But of course there is more than just drinking beer at Oktoberfest. There is also games, amusement ides, music, dancing, and draws more than 6 million people a year for the festival. Want to see what this looks like? Check out Rick Steve's Europe video!
Oktoberfest : A Global Event
Over time, countries with a large german population imitated the festival under the
same model to replicate the event. Which is likely why we are able to participate in Oktoberfest today, regardless of the country we live in! Check out all the countries that celebrate Oktoberfest!
The rules for Oktoberfest traditions are so strong, that at the real Munich festival, only
Munich breweries are allowed to provide their beer to the festival. These breweries include: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbrau, Lowenbrau, Paulaner, and Spaten.
Interstingly enough, Paulaner is the oldest of all the mentioned breweries. Having served their first beer in 1634! Originally, this beer was reserved only for monks and public festivals but is now enjoyed by all munich beer drinkers.
So whether you want to sport some traditional german clothing, drink delicious Munich
beer, enjoy traditional foods, or enjoy the rides and booths, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Oktoberfest!
Although we don't have an Oktoberfest inspired beer, it's in the plans for next year. In the mean time discover our selection of delcious beers, from Kveik IPA's to rich Stouts our website!
As the German's say; "Mehr bier, bitte!' (More beer please!)