Munich, its beers and the Oktoberfest

It's not just Bavarians who are eagerly awaiting the return of Oktoberfest. After two years of forced shutdown due to the pandemic, millions of tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the special atmosphere of one of the biggest popular festivals in the world.

The regulars did already reserve their places in February, when reservations opened for the various tents that can accommodate up to 10,000 people for the bigger ones!

The others line up in the morning in the hope of getting a place, trying their luck at the last minute. But instead of insisting – often in vain – on weekends or in the evening, and wasting your time trampling in front of the big “Bierzelt” (beer tent), why not go there on weekdays and at noon. You can also sit down in one of the smaller tents or enjoy your “mass” (liter) and half roast chicken in one of the many “Biergarten” (beer gardens) outside. Often, a more advantageous and varied menu card is offered at noon.

If grilled chickens and pork shanks are among the essentials, the culinary offer has diversified over time with many vegetarian and even vegan dishes. There are always the unavoidable giant pretzels, but also pastries or grilled almonds to nibble on while strolling.

As for gingerbread hearts, we generally do not eat them, even if they are delicious! These are souvenirs to bring back without fail from Oktoberfest, to offer with the right message written in sugar letters.

Many wonder why Oktoberfest is called October party when it mainly takes place in September. Quite simply to respect tradition, the first edition having taken place on October 17, 1810, during the wedding of Prince Regent Louis of Bavaria and Princess Thérèse of Sachsen-Hildburghausen (who gave her name to the place, Theresienwiese, the meadow of Thérèse ). Even if at the time it was not a beer festival but a horse race, it was indeed the birth of Oktoberfest. Few of the visitors know that they can party thanks to this great idea of Andreas Michael Dall'Armi, member of the Bavarian national guard!

Despite the vicissitudes (wars, epidemics, the 1980 attack, and the last two years the Covid!), the Oktoberfest did not stop growing. And to make the most of the good weather, the festivities begin in September and end on the first weekend of October. As this year October 3, German National Day, falls on a Monday, the beer will flow one more day.

On the occasion of the bicentenary in 2010, a traditional festival of yesteryear was organized on part of the 34 hectares of the "Wiesn" with old rides, dances and entertainment, a program for children.

The people of Munich have appreciated it so much for its authenticity that the “Oide Wiesn” (the old meadow) is held every year. An access fee of 4 € avoids the arrival of visitors coming just for …. emptying mugs. It is here that you can see the most beautiful authentic traditional outfits that are only released for special occasions and that are especially not worn in the big tents. Because there, the plates have hardly been emptied, everyone is standing on the benches to move to the rhythm of the music, with mugs in hand, sprinkling their neighbors with a little beer... The regulars bring a sachet plastic to sit on and then store safely their vest.

In general, the atmosphere is good-natured. But in such a crowd, you only take the bare minimum. Large handbags and backpacks are also prohibited. Also avoid: lying on the meadow at the foot of the Bavaria to sleep it off (and no longer find your wallet when you wake up).
There are also enough toilets and pissoirs so that you don't have to relieve yourself anywhere!

An important security service keeps watch inside the marquees and in the aisles of the great fair. To preserve the friendly spirit of Oktoberfest.

Do not try to leave with a "Masskrug" (one liter mug): it is very frowned upon. Why not buy a collector's mug, namely this year's model which takes up the motif of the 2022 posters? Prost!