Every year, Munich, Germany hosts the biggest festival in the world: Oktoberfest. Today marks the first day of Oktoberfest 2007, and over six million attendees are expected to flood the streets, down a few steins of delicious brew, and party until they just can’t stand it anymore.
Traditionally, Oktoberfest takes place during the 16 days leading up to the first Sunday in October, but the schedule was tweaked in 1990 to stipulate that if the first Sunday in October falls on the 1st or 2nd, that the festival would continue until October 3rd (German Unity Day). Therefore, during the years that the calendar decides to gift partiers, Oktoberfest will last 17 days (Sunday the 1st) and 18 days (Sunday the 2nd).
Today, September 22, Oktoberfest’s opening ceremonies will take place in the Schottenhamel tent, where the lord and mayor of Munich will kick festivities off by tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. After that symbolic act, all visitors will begin to water their dry throats, indulging in the day’s events while downing €8/liter brew.
If you plan on attending Oktoberfest, know that advanced reservations are not necessary (or available!). When you arrive, head to one of the many beer tents and find a seat. There are over 14 “big tents,” each offering unique details, like the Hofbräu Festhalle’s group songs, complete with beer steins swinging in the air or the Ochsenbraterei, where an ox spins on a huge spit, offering a variety of cuts and dishes to Oktoberfest attendees.
If good beer, fun-loving internationals, and a quaint city are your kind of thing, consider a trip to Munich for Oktoberfest. If you can’t make it this year, it’s never too early to plan for 2008!
