It pretty much goes hand in hand with carving pumpkins, raking leaves, and Halloween.  Oktoberfest is an annual rite of Fall – a chance to let loose and a good excuse to drink beer.

The first Oktoberfest was on this date in 1810 when Bavarian crown prince Louie married  Princess Therese Sachsen-Hildburghausen.  The people of Munich were invited by the royals to help celebrate the marriage in the fields in front of the city gate.   Then there were horse races at the end of the day.

The people of Munich and the royal family had such a good time they decided to do it every year.
This time the celebration would begin late in September and continue until the first Sunday in October.

Today Oktoberfest is the world’s largest fair with at least 5-million people turning out every year during the 16 to 18 day event.  In 1999, 6 ½ million people attended. The opening day always includes a parade that often stretches for four miles with floats, horse drawn brewery carts, beer bands, and children in traditional costumes.

As many as 7-thousand people march in the opening day parade.  Then during Oktoberfest there’s lots of German food, music and beer.  All of the beer at Oktoberfest is made in Munich.

Check out the Oktoberfest Parade:

SOURCE: wikipedia, History Channel

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