Oktoberfest:The History of This Beer Festival

Oktoberfest is a festival celebrated by many people, especially for those who love to drink beer. However, the history of Oktoberfest is not that popular to the mouths of the people, and just like any festival essence, the history of it matters. 

What is Oktoberfest?

People from all around the world tend to have beer and drinks gathering every October because of the Oktoberfest. However, what most people don't know these days is the history of it. 

Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world, and many people from all over the world would travel and visit Munich for it. Thousands of people would gather every year in the place to celebrate it. In fact, in 2019, there were about 6.3 million visitors and tourists who visited Munich to celebrate the Theresienwiese space, and during the whole festival, they consumed about 7.3 million litres of beer. Imagine how many people got drunk at that time!

While many people think that the reason Germany celebrates Oktoberfest is because of its beer, bar maidens, and music, not many truly know the history of the festival and how it began. It still remains a mystery to many, and while there are different stories about it, people only think of the festival is about beers.

There is one theory that claims Oktoberfest was once a royal wedding celebration, however, it has remained as a claim and it was never confirmed. There is also another theory where the festival originated from a horse-centric event that was organized as a surprise. 

In this modern-time society, Germany has many annual gatherings that open opportunities for Bavarians to showcase their lovely culture to visitors from all over the world. Oktoberfest is considered to be a flourishing socioeconomic powerhouse and not just some festival. Germans would show their lederhosen to traditional dances and culture, to scrumptious food and delicacies during Oktoberfest.

The History of Oktoberfest

Before Crown Prince Ludwig became King of Germany, he was best known for his outstanding work ethic and his creative output of bad poetry. Also, before he became king, he was first married to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The wedding was dated on the 12th of October 1810, and many citizens and people from Munich were invited to the wedding and celebration by the newlywed just in front of the city gates.

The field was filled by many Munich people and as they gathered to celebrate. They even named the place Theresienwiese, which means Therese's Meadow, on that day to honour the crowned Princess. The field measured 4,500,000 square feet and is still called Theresienwiese up until this day.

The wedding celebration lasted for several days up to a week. Before the marriage week ceremony ended, there were several horse races that were held in tradition and as a part of Munich's culture. 

There were also forty thousand spectators who drank wine and beer from the hillside while watching the horse race. After a year of the marriage ceremony, there were more horse races held, and later it has marked as the beginning of the festival's annual tradition.