Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a colossal beer festival, which is the largest in the world. It is celebrated annually in the middle of September in Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Oktoberfest is fun and exciting, and lasts for 16 days.
The history of the beer festival began back in 1810, when all city residents received an invitation to a very important event – the marriage of the heir of the country Ludwig I with Princess Theresa of Saxony. All the guests were gathered on a huge lawn that was located outside the city, which was named Theresa's Meadow after this event, and were treated to beer, as well as horse rides. The celebration pleased both the people of Munich and the king himself so much that he issued an order to hold a similar event every year.
With each passing year, Oktoberfest gained more and more scope. Gradually, new events were added to it, such as the farmers' festival, which included the display of the most beautiful breeds of horses and horses, the opening of entertainment attractions, the installation of beer shops, as well as the famous chicken roaster.
Since that time, the beer festival has been held every year, interrupted only at the time of the two World wars. In 2013, the 180th Oktoberfest celebration was held here.
The opening of the Oktoberfest festival itself is quite exciting, which takes place exactly at noon on the very first day of the celebration. And it all starts quite simply and logically – the opening of a barrel of beer by the mayor of the city. With this action of the head of state, the beer marathon begins. Festive columns are moving along all the central streets at this time, led by the so-called "Munchner Kindi", which represents a young rider with a small bell in her hand on an elegant horse. She rushes in the form of a nun, dressed in yellow and black. Festive government carriages, led by the mayor, are drawn next to the nun girl. They are accompanied by large elegant beer carts that have collected beer from various German regions. They are also followed by various performances, which include columns of artists and athletes. Along the way, fascinating skits, dances and many talents of the German people are demonstrated.
A very beautiful costumed procession in the traditional style is moving from Siegestor and to Teresa's Meadow itself, where the main celebration is held. She was recognized as the most organized such historically important column in the whole world.
An important tradition of Oktoberfest is the huge beer tents, which are called tents among the people. Every year, exactly 14 of them are built here. Since Germans prefer to drink this drink while sitting, these tents accommodate huge long tables and seating. The largest tent is designed for about 11,000 people. But it should be noted that each tent has its own name and its own traditions. Some tents are loved by noisy students, while others prefer to visit with their family.
During the celebration of the festival, beer is sold not only in tents, but also in numerous stalls that open especially for the holidays.
Beer is served according to ancient traditions in liter mugs, which are presented by waitresses dressed in beautiful vintage costumes. One can envy the endurance of these women at such a time, because they can easily bring at least three liter cups, or even more, of beer.
This drink, of course, is intended for adults, but children also love this festival, because these days you can have fun on various attractions, eat ice cream, as well as other sweets.
During the entire Oktoberfest, an unrealistic amount of the main drink, which is beer, is drunk. It is estimated that approximately 7 million liters of beer are consumed over the 16 days of the festival, as well as tons of fried chickens and sausages.
Oktoberfest is very popular among foreign visitors, who are visited by about 7 million people these days. This unrealistically large-scale holiday is in the Guinness Book of Records, for its enormous scope.
