Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest fills Munich’s Theresienwiese with a beer festival, travelling carnival, Bavarian food, games, and amusement rides. Locals call the fairgrounds d’Wiesn, a name drawn from the meadow where the celebration unfolds.
The festivities began in 1810 to mark the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Horse races shaped the early celebration, continuing until 1960 before the carnival and beer traditions took centre stage. Specially brewed Oktoberfest beer accompanies Bratwurst, pretzels, traditional costumes, and the sounds of Bavarian music. A parade led by the Münchner Kindl brings those costumes through the opening ceremony, followed by the mayor tapping the first keg. That ceremonial tap has marked the start since 1950.
Wars, epidemics, and the 1980 bombing interrupted the celebration, yet the festival returned each time. The Theresienwiese still brings together a first keg, towering rides, and Bavarian pretzels in one lively setting.
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