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Oktoberfest?
WHY IS OCKTOBERFEST CALLED "Oktoberfest" WHEN IT ACTUALY BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER?
The historical background: the first Oktoberfest was held in the year 1810 in honour of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17th with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September.
By moving the festivities up, it allowed for better weather conditions. Because the September nights are warmer, visitors are able to enjoy the gardens outside the tents and the stroll over “Die Wiesen” or the fields much longer without feeling chilly. Historically, the last Oktoberfest weekend is in October and this tradition continues into present times.
Oktoberfest Do's & Don'ts
> Good shoes are recommended, some tents will not allow flip-flops/thongs/jandals
> Know your limits! The beer is brewed particularly for Oktoberfest, with some lager in excess of 7% abv.
> Eating IS NOT cheating.
> Learn a few words in German. Most Bavarians will speak English, but they will appreciate the effort.
> Respect the locals and their culture. We are their guests.
> Only take what you need. Thousands of items are lost each year (Including passports)
> Remember where you are staying
> It is a criminal offence to remove steins from the Beerfest tents. Police and security will check your bags and issue a hefty fine if you are found sneaking one out. It is cheaper to buy one from a shop.
> Have the time of your life!
Important information about the Fest
BEER SERVING HOURS:
> Weekdays: 10am - 10:30pm
> Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 9am - 10:30pm
> Daily Tent Closing Time: 11:30pm
> The "Käfer Wiesn-Schänke" and the "Weinzelt" are open until 1am. Last call for alcohol: 12:15am.
PRICE OF BEER
The estimated beer price will range between 8.00 and 8.30 Euros per liter.
FEST HIGHLIGHTS!
> Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade
> The parade happens every year on the first Sunday
> Other important events are the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Official Tapping of the Keg and the “Böllerschießen“ (handheld canon salute)
TRADITIONAL BAVARIAN FOOD
> Bavarian food is very ‘hearty’, and largely revolves around meat dishes. There are however plenty of alternatives for vegetarians. Following is a brief list of a few traditional dishes:
> Leberknodelsuppe: Typical Bavarian soup with a dumpling from pork liver.
> Schweinsbraten: Pork served in slices with gravy, accompanied by knodel (noodle).
> Schweinshaxe: Pork Knuckle!!
> Krautspatzen: Spatzle (eggs, flour, water, salt), served with sauerkraut