Oktoberfest

Multi-culturalism is prevalent throughout all of today’s society, with various cultures being celebrated and appreciated across the world. People have become extremely interested in festivals celebrated in different areas of the world. Oktoberfest is a German festival that is celebrated annually in Munich and Bavaria in Germany. In the past decade, as the festival expended, it has become globally recognised and popularity has sky rocketed. The folk festival goes for 16-18 days, starting in late September and ending on the first weekend in October. The lively event celebrates traditional German food, dancing and clothing. The festival stems from Munich citizens being invited to celebrate the wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1810. After huge positive reactions from the citizens of Munich, the festival was decreed an annual event. Horse races mark the end of the festivities and in the years that followed large tents were set up to eat under and amusements such as carousels were later introduced. Two hundred and eight years later the fields, aptly named Theresienwiese after the princess, are still used to host the iconic festivities. In recent years, the festival progressed, and is now split into two different aspects. ‘Quiet’ Oktoberfest takes place during the day where older couples and those who are more interested in the historic side of the festival mill around and appreciate the traditional music and food. However, once night falls, the party begins. Schlager pop or electric music is then allowed to be played and the dance floor becomes extremely popular. Traditional food dishes served include reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Knodel (potato and flour dumplings) and Brezen (Pretzels). In 2010, the festival celebrated the 200th anniversary, upwards of 6.4 million people showed their support and celebrations were in full swing. Over 6.7 million litres of German beer was consumed over the three-week long celebration and inordinate amounts of lights created an exhilarating atmosphere. Many of these celebrations have now expanded from Germany and numerous people use the event as a time to celebrate their heritage or purely the exciting activities. In Brisbane, the largest Oktoberfest in Australia is held, and thousands of people arrive in the city to celebrate the old traditions. If you have not already been, Oktoberfest is a great family experience. The continuation of this historic festival is shown throughout the world with new aspects being added each year. It is truly great to see such a large number of people joining together to celebrate a memorable and unbelievable festival. The commemoration of past traditions each year are remembered and honoured through Oktoberfest.