Written by Jaden Parker

The Oktoberfest celebrations are finally upon us. During the festivities from September 16th to October 3rd, we’ll be posting articles on everything Germany! To commemorate this year’s Oktoberfest in Munich we will have articles on everything from Munich’s history to food and music. 

Starting on October 12, 1810, Oktoberfest started as a celebration of the marriage between Prince Ludwig (King Louis I) and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival ended with a horse race in a field that is not called Theresienwiese (“Therese’s green”). Every year, the mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer to start the festival. It is said that over 2 million gallons of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest. Gemütlichkeit is the German word for friendliness or geniality and is what Bavarians spread when celebrating through the drinking of beer and consumption of hearty food. Sounds like a great way to get to know someone!

You can find official news about Oktoberfest and its events here.