The Oktoberfest is a classic, world-famous festival inviting eastern, western, northern and southern hemisphere tourists alike to unite in the heart of Europe over a beer… or twenty!
Originally started to celebrate the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage, Oktoberfest was, as its name suggests, celebrated in October. Since then, the festival has been extended and moved forward into September to take advantage of the better weather conditions. The festival now takes place between September 19 and October 4 and has increased in size phenomenally.
Following the opening ceremonies on the first day which includes the official opening of the first keg of beer by the Lord Mayor, the binging begins. Hundreds of thousands of people turn up to indulge in traditional German produce, down vast Steiners of beer served by amazingly strong fraulines and generally enjoy a shamelessly hedonistic time of laughter, music and partying.
If you love a beer, this is definitely the place to be. Be warned though, you will need a week off to recover afterwards!