Whenever Oktoberfest is mentioned, people always think about beer. The truth is, you can do more than drinking lots of beers at the festival as tourists can also enjoy various traditions and gain new friends along with the event. It involves relishing the Bavarian music as well as the traditional clothing worn by the residents and visitors.
Here is more of the events during Oktoberfest that you can savor for a moment:
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Table of Contents
Oktoberfest Opening Ceremonies
Oktoberfest starts by the second half of September that falls on Saturdays at 12 noon. The opening ceremony is done by Munich’s mayor as it taps the first keg of the oldest tent in the event. It uses a hammer to hit the keg with a strong force as the mayor shouts, “O’zapft is!”. It should be in the headlines in the coming days so it is very controversial. The fewer times it hits the keg, the better for the media.
Afterward, Spaten-Franziskaner beers shall be served at the tent to be followed by a gun salute in the Bavaria Statue. It also signals the landlords nearby to start selling beers in the tents.
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Grand Entrance Tradition
The serving of beer in the Schottenhamel tent during the opening ceremony is just a way to begin the beer festival. Behind the scenes are the landlords and breweries preparing all the drinks an hour before the event commences. They are also responsible for arranging the Theresienwiese grounds where the beer festival will be held. The time of preparation will last for almost three weeks to settle everything.
Next, is the festive parade coming from Sonnenstrasse toward the event’s main ground. It consists of chariots and wagons designed with colorful flowers to look more festive as they should be. The procession includes all the people who worked so hard to push through the event. The Münchner Kindl will take the lead and be followed by the mayor’s chariot. On the next lines are the landlords and breweries riding on carts. Lastly, the parade also incorporates the waitresses who are very hardworking for weeks as they hold mugs of beers during the procession.
The whole procession is lovely and very traditional. All of the participants are wearing Bavarian attires to better feel the vibe of the festival. It is also practiced since the beer festival has started.
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Oktoberfest’ Beers and Festival Tents
Even the beers served at the festival are highly traditional. It comprises six breweries that are all made in Munich, such as Augustiner, Paulaner, Spaten-Franziskaner, Löwenbräu, Hacker-Pschorr and Hofbräu. The festival tents also have to serve beers depending on who owns them. Most owners of the tents run a beer business around Munich making each one more capable of producing delicious drinks.
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Another Traditional Parade
It is called the Trachten- und Schützenzug that involves a costume parade through Munich. This started in 1835 to celebrate the silver wedding anniversary of King Ludwig I and Therese of Bavaria until it is held yearly and being televised.
The parade is done on the first Sunday of the event of which almost 10,000 people had to join. The parade is so colorful with bands and orchestras and also horse carriages like the grand procession. It commences as early as 10 a.m. and is only limited to Munichers and other special guests around Germany. They must be all wearing historical costumes to set the vibe.
The parade begins at Maximilianeum along with the city of Munich and will end in Theresienwiese.
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Oktoberfest is Best for Families
Oktoberfest is also suitable for family bonding. It is child-friendly with lots of attractions and rides to try. Tuesdays are the best days to take your family to the event from around 12 noon until 6 in the afternoon. The prices for the rides are so affordable.
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Oktoberfest Souvenirs
You always bring home souvenirs at every festival you have visited, right? It could be a mug, keychain, or t-shirt that will make you remember that certain event in your life.
It also works with Oktoberfest that sells lots of souvenirs, like beer mugs, hats, and many more. Most of the souvenirs are man-made and also classical. For example, the beer mug has different designs each year depending on the event’s theme. It is sold at stalls or in the tents of the landlords. Another popular souvenir at the beer festival is the gingerbread heart that can be found everywhere.
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Oktoberfest Closing Ceremony
Oktoberfest ends well just how the festival has started. The last part of the program would be a gun salute at the Bavaria statue at noon. During the closing ceremony, the shooting kings shall be recognized and crowned.
As the Oktoberfest begins with twelve gun salutes, it will end with lots of salutes and traditional bands and fashion.
Choose an Oktoberfest Tour That Suits Your Budget
Thirsty Swagman has to offer Oktoberfest packages with the best accommodation available that is a few meters away from the festival ground. If it is your first time, finding a staff who can assist you throughout the tour is essential. The package includes tent reservations, beer vouchers, and a lot more benefits to better enjoy the festival. There will be tour guides for a safer trip and won’t leave you out in the crowd.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Oktoberfest is a beer festival you won’t forget. It has a lot to offer from the beginning to the end of the event. Finding a tour organizer to arrange your Oktoberfest experience is vital for the best beer festival ever.
