Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September and early October. It is one of the most famous events in the city and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year. Other cities across the world also hold fairs, modeled after the Munich event, also called Oktoberfest.
The event takes place during the 15 days before the first Sunday in October and usually ends on that Sunday, making the entire festival 16 days. The festival has traditionally ended on the first Sunday of October, but if this day is the 1st or 2nd, the festival will go on until the October 3rd (German Unity Day). Thus, the festival is 17 days when the 1st Sunday is October 2nd and 18 days when it is October 1st. The festival is held on an area named the Theresienwiese, often called "d' Wiesn" for short. Beer plays a central role in the fair, with every festival beginning with a keg of beer tapped by the Mayor of Munich who declares "O'zapft is!" (Bavarian for "It's tapped!"). A special Oktoberfest beer is brewed for the occasion, which is slightly darker and stronger, in both taste and alcohol. It is served in a one-liter-tankard called Maß. The first "mass" is served to the Bavarian Minister-President. Only local Munich breweries are allowed to serve this beer in a Bierzelt (beer tent) which is large enough for thousands.
Visitors also consume large quantities of food, most of it traditional hearty fare such as sausage, hendl (chicken), käsespätzle (cheese noodles), and sauerkraut, along with such Bavarian delicacies as roast ox tails.
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 Costume Parade
1.2 Entry of the Hosts
1.3 Attack on Oktoberfest
1.4 Accidents
2 Facts and Data
2.1 Size
2.2 Duration
2.3 Dates
2.4 Oktoberfest Numbers
3 The Tents
4 Price of a Maß
5 Theft of beer mugs
6 Oktoberfest in other cities
7 See also
8 External links
[edit]
History
Map of Munich and Sendling with Theresienwiese, 1812The first "Oktoberfest" took place on October 12, 1810: For the commemoration of their marriage, Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen (hence: "Theresienwiese") organized a great horse race (the marriage took place on October 12th, the horse race on October 17th, therefore there are different dates named as being the first Oktoberfest).
In the year 1813, the Oktoberfest was called off as Bavaria was involved in the Napoleonic war. In 1816, carnival booths appeared. The main prizes were silver, porcelain, and jewelry. In 1819, The town fathers of Munich took over festival management. They decided that the Oktoberfest should be celebrated every year without exception. Later, it was lengthened and the date pushed backward. The reason being that the end of September in Bavaria often has very good weather. The high temperature in the first week of Oktoberfest nears 30 °C which stimulates the thirst of the visitors. However, today the last week of Oktoberfest is still in October.
Bavaria-Statue above the TheresienwieseSince 1850 The statue of Bavaria has watched the Oktoberfest. This worldly Bavarian patron was first sketched by Leo von Klenze in a classic style and Ludwig Michael Schwanthaler romanticised and "germanised" the draft. Johann Baptist Stiglmaier and Ferdinand von Miller made the statue. In 1853, the Bavarian Ruhmeshalle was finished.
In 1854, 3,000 residents of Munich succumbed to an epidemic of Cholera, so the festival was canceled. Also, in the year 1866, there was no Oktoberfest as Bavaria fought in the Austro-Prussian War. In 1870, the Franco-German war was the reason for concelation of the festival. In 1873, the festival was once more canceled due to a Cholera epidemic. In the year 1880, the city government approved the sale of beer. The electric light illuminated over 400 booths and tents. In 1881, booths selling bratwursts opened. In 1892, beer was first served in glass mugs. At the end of the 1900's, a re-organization took place. Until then, there were games of Kegelen, large dance floors, and trees for climbing in the beer booths. They wanted more room for guests and musicians. The booths became beer halls.
In the year 1910, Oktoberfest celebrated its 100th birthday. 120,000 liters of beer were poured. In 1913, the Bräurosl was founded, which was the largest Oktoberfest beer tent of all time, with room for about 12,000 guests. Today, the biggest tent is the Hofbräu-Festhalle which holds 10,000. From 1914 through 1918, World War I prevented the celebration of Oktoberfest. In 1919 and 1920, the two years after the war, Munich celebrated only an "Autumn Fest." In 1923 and 1924, the Oktoberfest was not held due to inflation. In 1933, the Bavarian white and blue flag was replaced with the standard swastika flag
From 1939 to 1945, due to World War II, no Oktoberfest took place. From 1946 to 1948, after the war, Munich once again celebrated only the "Autumn Fest." The sale of proper Oktoberfest beer was not permitted. The guests had to make due with beer that had an alcohol content under 2%. Since its beginnings the Oktoberfest has thus been canceled 24 times due to war, disease and other emergencies.
Since 1950, there has been a traditional festival opening: A twelve gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 by the current Mayor of Munich with the cry "O'zapft is!" opens the Oktoberfest. The first mayor to tap the keg was Thomas Wimmer.
Löwenbräu Tent(2003)By 1960, the Oktoberfest had turned into an enormous world-famous festival. The first Japanese, Americans, and New Zealanders discovered the festival and stumbled with beer mugs alongside Bavarians. They spread the word of Munich worldwide. After this foreigners began to picture germans as wearing the Sennerhut, Lederhosen, and the girls in Dirndl. Horse races ended in 1960.
On September 26, 1980, a bomb explosion near the entrance killed 13 visitors and injured 200 more. The bomb had been placed by a 21-year-old Neo-Nazi who died at the scene. It has been related to Gladio, NATO's secret paramilitary organizations.
There are many problems every year with young people, who overestimate their ability to handle large amounts of alcohol. Many pass out due to drunkenness. These especially drunk patrons are often called "Bierleichen" (German for "beercorpses"). They are brought by staff to a medical tent where drunks as well as sick people are treated.
To make the Oktoberfest, and especially the beer tents, once again friendly to older people and families, the concept of the "quiet Oktoberfest" was developed in 2005. Until 6:00 PM, the tents only play quiet music, for example traditional wind music. Only after that will Schlager and pop music be played, which has led to more violence in earlier years. The music played in the afternoon is limited to 85 decibels. With these measures, the organizers of the Oktoberfest hope to curb the over-the-top party mentality and preserve the traditional beer tent atmosphere.
See also: Olympics
[edit]
Costume Parade
To honor the marriage of King Ludwig I and Therese of Bavaria, a parade took place for the first time in 1835. Since 1950 this has been a yearly event and an important component of the Oktoberfest. 8,000 people, mostly from Bavaria, in traditional costumes walk from Maximilian Street, through the center of Munich, to the Oktoberfest. The march is led by the Münchner Kindl.
[edit]
Entry of the Hosts
In 1887, the Entry of the Oktoberfest Staff and Breweries took place for the first time. This event showcases the splendidly decorated horse teams of the breweries and the bands that play in the festival tents. This event always takes place on the first Saturday of the Oktoberfest and symbolises the official prelude to the Oktoberfest celebration
[edit]
Attack on Oktoberfest
On September 26, 1980 at 10:19 PM, a pipe bomb was set off at the showers at the main entrance. The bomb consisted of an empty fire extinguisher filled with 1.39 kilograms of TNT and mortar shells. Thirteen people were killed, over 200 were injured, 68 seriously. This was the worst terrorist attack in the history of Germany. The official inquiries found that the right-wing extremist Gundolf Köhler from Donaueschingen, a social outcast who killed himself in the explosion, was the lone perpetrator. This account is doubted vehemently by various groups.
[edit]
Accidents
On September 30th 1996, 26 people were injured in a collision on the Eurostar roller coaster.
[edit]
Facts and Data
[edit]
Size
The Oktoberfest is known as the Largest People's Fair in the World. Year after year, about six million people visit the 64 acre large Theresienwiese. 70% of the people are from Bavaria. Numerous visitors come from other countries, especially Italy. But a lot of guests also come from other non-European countries like Japan and Australia.
Besides the Oktoberfest, there is a second public festival which takes place at the same place in April/May: The Munich Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival), which is also known as "Little Oktoberfest." There are also various other festivals in Munich, of which the Auer Dult is best known.
[edit]
Duration
On account of the duration of the festival and the nice weather, the Oktoberfest has begun in September since 1872. It always opens on a Saturday and its duration varies depending on the days of the week each year (Approximately 16 days). The festival has traditionally ended on the first Sunday of October, but if this day is the 1st or 2nd day of October, the festival will go on until the October 3rd (German Unity Day).
[edit]
Dates
The Oktoberfest will take place according to the following chart:
Year Dates Special Features
2000 Sep. 16th - Oct. 3rd 18 Days
2001 Sep. 22nd - Oct. 7th
2002 Sep. 21st - Oct. 6th
2003 Sep. 20th - Oct. 5th
2004 Sep. 18th - Oct. 3rd with ZLF*
2005 Sep. 17th - Oct. 3rd 17 Days
2006 Sep. 16th - Oct. 3rd 18 Days
2007 Sep. 22nd - Oct. 7th
Year Dates Special Features
2008 Sep. 20th - Oct. 5th with ZLF*
2009 Sep. 19th - Oct. 4th
2010 Sep. 18th - Oct. 3rd 200 Year Anniversary
2011 Sep. 17th - Oct. 3rd 17 Days
2012 Sep. 22nd - Oct. 7th with ZLF*
2013 Sep. 21st - Oct. 6th
2014 Sep. 20th - Oct. 5th
2015 Sep. 19th - Oct. 4th
*) Bayerisches Zentral-Landwirtschaftsfest (Bavarian Central Agriculture Festival)
[edit]
Oktoberfest Numbers
30% of the year's production of beer by Munich breweries will be consumed in the two weeks of Oktoberfest.
12,000 People are employed at the Oktoberfest. Of these, 1600 are waitresses.
There is available seating for 100,000 people.
The six Oktoberfest breweries, (Spaten, Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräuhaus, Löwenbräu) sold 6 million mugs of beer in 2005 (5.5 million in 2004).
Roasted oxen: 88
Sausages: 219,443 pairs
Roast chickens: 459,279
[edit]
The Tents
There are currently 14 main tents at the Oktoberfest. The tents themselves are semi-permanent structures which are only occupied during the festival. The beer (or wine) served in each is in brackets after the tent name:
Hippodrom (Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu) - One of the smaller tents, it's the first tent that many visitors see at the fest. As well as serving normal Wiesn beer, it has a Sekt (sparkling wine) bar and Maß of Weißbier. Considered one of the trendiest tents, and attracts the occasional celebrity.
Seating capacity inside: 3,200
Seating capacity outside: 1,000
Armbrustschützenzelt (Paulaner) - Translates as the "Crossbow Shooters Tent", a competition that has been a part of the Oktoberfest since 1895.
Seating capacity inside: 5,839
Seating capacity outside: 1,600
Hofbräu Festzelt (Hofbräu München) - The counterpart to the famous Hofbräuhaus, this tent is especially popular with Americans and Antipodeans.
Seating capacity inside: 6,896
Seating capacity outside: 3,622
Hacker-Festzelt (Hacker-Pschorr) - One of the largest tents on the Wiesn, they have a rock band that plays from 5:30 each evening (as opposed to the traditional brass band). This tent is also known as "Himmel der Bayern" (Heaven for Bavarians)
Seating capacity inside: 9,300
Seating capacity outside: 0
Schottenhamel (Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu) - Reckoned to be the most important tent at the Oktoberfest, mainly because it is where it starts. On the first Saturday of the event, no beer is allowed to be served until the mayor of Munich (currently Christian Ude) taps the first keg, at 12pm. Only then can the other tents begin to serve beer. Very popular amongst younger people.
Seating capacity inside: 6,000
Seating capacity outside: 4,000
Winzerer Fähndl (Paulaner) - This tent is noted for its huge tower, with a Maß of Paulaner beer sitting atop it.
Seating capacity inside: 8,450
Seating capacity outside: 2,450
Schützen-Festhalle (Löwenbräu) - This is a mid-sized tent. Situated under the Bavaria statue, the current tent was newly built in 2004.
Seating capacity inside: 4,442
Seating capacity outside: 0
Käfers Wiesen Schänke (Paulaner) - The smallest tent at the Oktoberfest, it is frequented by celebrities, and is known for its especially good food. In contrast to the other tents (which must close by 11pm), it is open until 0:30am, but it can be very difficult to get in.
Seating capacity inside: 1,000
Seating capacity outside: 1,900
Weinzelt (Nymphenburger Sekt, Paulaner Weißbier) - This tent offers a selection of more than 15 wines, as well as Weißbier.
Seating capacity inside: 1,300
Seating capacity outside: 600
Löwenbrau-Festhalle - Above the entrance is a 4.50 meter (15 foot) lion who occasionally drinks from his beer. This is overshadowed by another tower where another drinking lion sits.
Seating capacity inside: 5,700
Seating capacity outside: 2,800
Bräurosl (Hacker-Pschorr) - Named after the daughter of the original brewery owner (Pschorr), this tent has the usual brass band and a yodeler.
Seating capacity inside: 6,000
Seating capacity outside: 2,200
Augustiner-Festhalle (Augustiner Bräu) - Considered by many elderly locals to be the best tent, due to the fact it sells the favourite local brew, Augustiner.
Seating capacity inside: 6,000
Seating capacity outside: 2,500
Ochsenbraterei (Spaten) - True to its name, this tent offers a great variety of ox dishes.
Seating capacity inside: 5,900
Seating capacity outside: 1,500
Fischer Vroni (Augustiner) - Another of the smaller tents. Fisch is the German word for fish and this tent carries a huge selection in its menu.
Seating capacity inside: 2,695
Seating capacity outside: 700
[edit]
Price of a Maß
One of the biggest talking points among citizens of Munich in the lead up to the Oktoberfest each year is how much a litre of beer will cost. In 2006 the official price range is between €6.95 and €7.50, as opposed to €6.65 and €7.10 the year before. In the past price hikes have been a contentious issue.
[edit]
Theft of beer mugs
Oktoberfest beer mugs are made from heavy glass and typically have a decorative brewery logo on the side, thus making them very popular souvenirs among visitors. It is however strictly forbidden to steal the mugs, but they can be purchased in the tents at a reasonable price. Visitors are strongly advised to keep the receipts because police are known to search them for stolen mugs even away from the fest area. Often when police catch someone stealing a beer mug, they are fined up to €50.
[edit]
Oktoberfest in other cities
For other beer festivals see Beer festival
Oktoberfest has grown beyond Germany, with many areas featuring festivals named 'Oktoberfest' - generally wherever you find groups of German immigrants, Oktoberfest will be celebrated.
In North America, there are major celebrations in La Crosse, Wisconsin; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Appleton, Wisconsin; Addison, Texas; Shiner, TX; Helen, Georgia; Newport, Rhode Island; Irondequoit, New York; Hermann, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Hickory, North Carolina; Campbell, California; Denver, Colorado; and the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle, WA; among many.
Several cities claim to host the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, such as Cincinnati, Ohio (500,000+ visitors,[1]), Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (700,000+ visitors [2]), and Blumenau, Brazil (600,000+ visitors).
In Australia, the universities are notorious in their celebrations of Oktoberfest every year, and as students graduate and move on, this has rolled over into pubs and restaurants in the university areas.
In Brazil, several southern cities, populated by German people in the 19th and 20th centuries, have their own Oktoberfest, the largest being in the aforementioned Blumenau, Santa Catarina.
In Argentina, a town called Villa General Belgrano in the Córdoba Province has an Oktoberfest that is well-known and the biggest in the country. Most of the population there is of Bavarian origin. It's also celebrated in other cities with considerable German population such as San Carlos and Esperanza in the province of Santa Fe.
[edit]
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
OktoberfestMunich
German beer
Beer festival
Oktoberfest (Hong Kong)
[edit]
External links
Oktoberfestshops:
The Oktoberfest Webshop
The official Oktoberfest website
Hippodrom
Hofbräu Oktoberfest Beertent
Hacker-Festzelt
Schottenhamel
Ochsenbraterei
Fischer Vroni
International Oktoberfest:
Cincinnati, OH
Denver, CO
Newport, RI
Irondequit, NY
Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
Campbell, CA
Tulsa, OK
Waterloo, Canada
Brisbane, Australia
Hickory, NC
Timonium, MD
Amana, IA
University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
Hay, NSW, Australia
University of WA, Australia
Fremont, Seattle, WA
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktoberfest"
Categories: Beer festivals | Beer and breweries in Germany | Festivals in Germany | Munich culture | Visitor attractions in Munich | Terrorism in Germany | Terrorist incidents in the 1980s
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hope this helps
2006-09-14 10:43:23
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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