Everything You Need to Know About Oktoberfest

I can assume that every adult of our time who lives in the Western world has heard of the great Oktoberfest celebration. As you have probably already guessed, the popular beer festival originated in Germany, where it is celebrated every year.

The original German Oktoberfest originated in Munich , but you can find imitations of the Munich festival all over Germany, and even around the world. It's a gigantic square that transforms into a giant camp for the occasion, with enormous tents to welcome visitors. You've probably even seen men wearing Oktoberfest costumes for the occasion.

What can be a little confusing about the dates of Oktoberfest is that it starts as early as mid-September and lasts until the first weekend of October. These Germans don't do things like everyone else, do they!

You might legitimately ask yourself, "Why is Oktoberfest celebrated?" And the answer could be as simple as "Why not?"

Even if we wanted to, we couldn't find a reason not to drink liters of brewed beer and have fun on rides. Seeing women in Oktoberfest costumes carrying those enormous steins is a treat. Maybe it's not very healthy to drink and eat to excess? Booooof! No, I'm just kidding, I'll tell you why this holiday is celebrated in a moment.

Oktoberfest has a long history and is now a long-standing tradition, without which Munich would lose a lot. This article will give you a little more information about why this German beer festival takes place every year, what you can do there, and what food and drinks you can expect.

The origin of Oktoberfest

Once upon a time, a long time ago, there lived a very popular and beloved Bavarian king named Ludwig I. As it happens in fairy tales and in real life, he fell in love with the wonderful Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (hence the name Theresienwiese). They decided to get married on October 12, 1810, and since they seem to have plenty of money and a lot of love to give, they invite the citizens of Munich to celebrate with them. When you think that getting married in this day and age already costs an arm and a leg, imagine if you invited your whole town!!!

This event was a resounding success. Since partying and tasting the best brewery beer was so much fun, the celebrations were repeated every year. Gradually, rides and attractions were added, and even a parade. As a result, here we are, over 200 years later, still toasting the bride and groom (or ourselves!).

This is what Oktoberfest looks like today:

What you can do at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest traditionally begins on the penultimate Saturday in September at noon. The starting signal is given by Munich's mayor, who pulls the first barrel from the many others and announces to the millions of visitors: O'zapft is!

For those unfamiliar with Bavarian, this is the Bavarian pronunciation of "tapped it is." The first barrel of wheat beer is now ready to be poured, and the brew can begin to flow freely!

The Theresienwiese (or Festwiese Ipa) is filled with large tents that are set up during the summer months (it lasts about 3 months). The festival tents are run by different breweries and offer six delicious Munich craft beers. There are rules about admitting minors into the tents at Oktoberfest Munich , so check in advance to see which tent you can go to on the weekend if you have children.

However, aside from the stout beer, tents also differ in their atmosphere, decor, and popularity. You can compare them to clans with their own coats of arms, traditions, and values. Therefore, I recommend choosing your tent based on your personal preferences.

Ultimately, when asked what to do at Oktoberfest , the answer is always the same for beer lovers: "Drink beer!" Indeed, it seems that there is a lot of beer with German hops or malt to drink! I must point out that I have unfortunately never had the chance to participate.

Beer at the Wies'n, also known as Oktoberfest , is served in liter-sized mugs, called Mass (Maß, pint, can, or cup), and you always have to pay the full price of €10 for a glass of beer. It is considered bad form not to tip the waitress in bars. You won't need a beer tap or a bottle opener; the beer will come to you on its own!

German waitresses wear beautiful traditional dresses called dirndls. Oktoberfest outfits speak to everyone and are instantly recognizable. We've even updated the costume a bit, making it a bit sexier, with a Chopedebiere twist, let's say! Beer-themed costumes are always there to celebrate and celebrate beer! I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce it to you:

You can find it on our site by clicking on the photo

Gentlemen won't be left out because we also have this Oktoberfest men's costume which includes the hat, shirt and shorts!

Click on the photo to see it

To pick up where I left off, you have to realize that most waitresses can carry far more full kegs than you can probably drink. Of course, there are also aromatic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as Aromatic Moût. There's also the wine tent for tastings, cocktails, and whiskey. But who wants to be seen drinking wine at the Munich Oktoberfest ?

However, I should point out that there is more to Oktoberfest than just drinking nice, refreshing beer (although I am said to love that!). In fact, at this premier beer festival, celebrating together is the number one priority. People sing, yell, and dance together, sometimes even on the tables to live music . Among the Oktoberfest activities, there are a plethora of rides and small shops where you can, for example, buy your sweetheart a gingerbread heart as a souvenir.

Oktoberfest Food and Drinks

There are many mouth-watering Bavarian specialties that you must try when you are at Oktoberfest . Typical foods at the imperial Oktoberfest include Brezn (pretzels), Haxn (pork knuckle), Obazda (cheese spread), Hendl (half chicken), sausages, and many more.

Some tents open an hour before they start serving stout, and they allow you to bring your own breakfast. However, you should know that due to recent security developments, bringing large bags and luggage to Oktoberfest is not allowed. Basically, don't show up with your rolling suitcase like a good old tourist!

I've already briefly mentioned what to drink (as you might expect, I recommend beer). As mentioned earlier, six different breweries will be offering their hoppy, bottom-fermented lager . They vary slightly in aroma and alcohol content, but I think you'll probably have to try them for yourself. I'm sure it won't be long before you're there, toasting your neighbors with a large mug of abbey beer! Oktoberfest bet!

Beer production for Oktoberfest

Over the centuries, the demands of brewing millions of liters (hectoliters) have increased considerably, but the basic ingredients have remained unchanged. Brewing beer requires, in addition to water, malt in a good lager beer barrel. Most of the time, anyway.

To create a variety of flavors, Oktoberfest microbreweries add unmalted grains to the fruity beer. These include barley, rice, rye, corn, caramel, wheat, cider, oats, rye, millet, and other grains and citrus fruits.

Yeast is a small helper in the brewing process that is entirely responsible for the top fermentation of beer, not the fruity flavor. Nothing else creates strength in this noble beverage except hops. Remember: no brewery adds alcohol to give its beer strength!

You should also know that six of the city's breweries are providing the party. The beer you'll be drinking at Oktoberfest is therefore 100% Munich-made. It's hard to get more local than that!

As already mentioned, the Germans will serve you beer in their famous Mass . The basic unit there is therefore 1 liter! Personally, I have already had the opportunity to drink from these "double pints" but in practice, I admit that apart from the folkloric side, I did not find it great. Nevertheless, some people like it and we offer some for sale:

The beer is mega heavy and has time to warm up and lose its gas before you finish it. Unless you have a pilsner who isn't afraid to knock it back in 4 or 5 shots, that's a lot to drink.

I much prefer beer mugs with a more normal capacity. Besides, if our site is called Chopedebiere, it's not by chance. We sell more than 100 models of mugs. In the Oktoberfest spirit , I've selected 2 for you:

This is our Viking beer mug. It looks exactly like a wooden one, and despite its 60cl capacity, it's very lightweight. You can see it by clicking here.

This one, however, is made entirely of wood and hand-carved. It's our top-of-the-line wooden tankard. Discover this Holy Grail here.

Party like the Bavarians

The brewery's professional festival invites the whole world to celebrate together and raise their beer glasses. However, to participate properly, you should be familiar with certain local customs and traditions. Munich residents place great importance on Gemütlichkeit and conviviality. Let yourself go and take advantage of the festivities to meet new people. It's best not to let it degenerate into a drunken brawl!

Understanding a few commonly used words and knowing a few rules will help you enjoy the day without any hassle. Ladies who attend the Wiesn in dirndls should be aware that the position of the bow on the costume indicates to the gentlemen present whether they are single or already taken.

The tie on the left side (as seen from the front) means "taken," the one on the right side means "single." Funny, isn't it? Oktoberfest outfits aren't just folklore !

There are also certain rules for drinking beer. For example, Noagl is the craft beer that stays in the Maß and isn't consumed. It may sound strange, but that's just the way it is!

Swinging and dancing are part of Oktoberfest . If you're partying all night, you should also learn the lyrics to some of the most popular songs, which should be ready to sing. You'll have the whole way to Munich to try and memorize some of the choruses, so that's something! Oktoberfest 2023 is all about planning!

Oktoberfest Memories

Oktoberfest experiences are as varied as its visitors: not only die-hard Bavarians frolic here, but also many others from all over Germany and other parts of the world. Everyone wants to be part of the world's largest folk festival, and some travel hundreds of kilometers to dance, drink, and eat with others.

Indeed, over time, this initial grand wedding banquet in Munich has transformed into a global celebration. Some German expatriate communities also recreate their Oktoberfest locally. This event also contributes to the spread of German culture to the four corners of the world, even if it can be adapted to local customs.

Kind words, irresistible glances are exchanged, and great stories are told. Oktoberfest is written and rewritten every year. But one thing is certain: each visit is a unique experience. Regular visitors report that it was different every time. The real version takes place at Munich's Theresienwiese .

Unfortunately, not everyone gets the chance to go to Oktoberfest . That's why we have several products with its image so that everyone can welcome this party at home! And for those who have already been there and only brought back a souvenir of a dry pretzel forgotten at the bottom of a pocket, these articles might also please you!

What do you think of this Oktoberfest cooking apron? You'll feel like a true Bavarian behind your stove or when you're having a barbecue! Just click here to find it!

We have a cushion cover category entirely dedicated to Oktoberfest with no less than 8 cover models (yes, really!). Discover them by clicking here

It seems that when there are no more, there are still more! In another family of covers, we have slipped 3 models: see here

And I'll finish with one of our metal plaques (among more than fifty) because I think it's very successful! Available by clicking here!

Writing these blog articles takes me a lot of time for research, writing, images, etc. You have noticed, there are no unwanted advertising banners for insurance, credits or other but suddenly it does not bring me any source of income.😢

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To encourage and support me, don't hesitate to buy something from us! 😊

For example, if you're looking for an original beer mug, you're sure to find what you're looking for among our models; we have more than sixty! To see all of our models, simply click on this link: Original Beer Mugs.

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