What is the history of Oktoberfest?

EACH year, Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany.

Now, people want to know more about the annual fall folk festival.

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When did Oktoberfest begin?

The 2023 Oktoberfest started on Saturday, September 16.

However, the first Oktoberfest dates back to the 1800s.

According to the Munich website, the folk festival began on October 17, 1810, following the October 12 wedding of Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen and Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria, the later King Ludwig I.

It featured a horse race, an idea coined by Andreas Michael Dall’Armi, a Member of the Bavarian National Guard.

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While the festivities continued the following year, Octoberfest did not become a "top priority" by Bavaria's forefathers until 1819.

The website continues: "Even in the uppermost circles, the news had arrived that the Oktoberfest was guaranteed to draw a crowd, and that it would generate a wealth of revenue and should therefore be celebrated annually."

In 1824, Munich city honored Dall’Armi with the first gold citizen's medal for "inventing" Oktoberfest, per the website.

Over the years, the Munich-held festival has acquired a variety of traditions and now attracts about 6million visitors.

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What are the traditions of Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest involves multiple traditions, including drinking beer via beer tents, eating chicken, and enjoying fairground rides.

The German festival also includes traditional Bavarian music and people dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, dirndls, and lederhosen, per Time.

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Why is Oktoberfest in September?

Some have questioned the festival's start time, wondering why, despite its name, it begins in September rather than October.

Oktoberfest starts in September due to the month's warmer weather and longer daylight hours, according to Vail Daily.

This allows festival-goers to enjoy the celebration more comfortably.