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Why the
Oktoberfest
is special
 The
annual Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany has been called "the world's largest
beer party". It attracts some seven million people (including loads of travelers) a
year during a 16 day period from late September to early October.
Tips & insights on
the Hofbrauhaus
The
main attraction is having fun with your friends and family in the enormous beer
tents.
The
revelers sit tightly at long communal tables to drink liter-size mugs of strong
Bavarian beer and eat copious quantities of grilled chicken and pork sausages
while a lederhosen-attired Bavarian brass oompah-pah band entertains on a stage
raised above the crowd (see photo).
Often,
the rich and poor, the famous and obscure spontaneously lock arms and sway in
comradeship while singing and toasting. It's a loud and noisy affair that's not
to be missed.
The
hefty, ethnic-clad waitresses have become an essential part of the scene,
especially when they barrel down the aisles carrying up to ten large overfilled
beer steins at a time. If you're in their path, it's wise to step aside.
There
are roughly a dozen big tents (all run by breweries). Their individual seating
capacities range from about 5,000 to 10,000.
Although
the tents can collectively accommodate nearly 100,000 people, seating can become
scarce, particularly on weekends.
The
Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration. The public was invited
and beer flowed freely. The local citizenry thought it was a great idea and
decided to turn it into a yearly happening. It has now been around for almost
two centuries.
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