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Most people think that if they don’t drink beer because of age, religious reasons, or health issues, there is no use in going to Oktoberfest. Well, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Although Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, it also has so much more to offer for travelers beyond just the lively beer tents and frothy steins.
Attending Oktoberfest is a great chance to explore a fantastic Munich city brimming to the top with a rich cultural history. Not just that, but the action-packed rides, games, delicious traditional cuisines that will make your mouth water, and captivating cultural performances will enchant you and become one of the most memorable experiences of your life. So don’t miss out!
Unlike the name “BEER FESTIVAL” suggests, Oktoberfest holds a cultural significance for the local German community. The festival is a display of their heritage, be it through the traditional Bavarian foods, authentic Tracht, or music and games. Oktoberfest has a responsibility of more than 7 million attendees annually on its shoulder to entertain them while keeping the Bavarian heritage alive, be it over-age adults, middle-aged party lovers, or kids.
Taking the responsibility seriously, the festival offers a great deal of fun and activities.
The grand opening parade, Einzug der Wiesnwirte, is held on the first Saturday of Oktoberfest and marks the start of festival celebrations. It is like a vast festival celebration party. It features horse-drawn breweries led by the Münchner Kindl, traditional Bavarian costumes, musical bands, and the Mayor of Munich’s first keg tapping. Owing to its historic importance, the ceremony is a must-see, especially for first-time visitors.
The closing parade takes place on the final Sunday of Oktoberfest. This parade ends the festival on a high note, signaling the time for goodbyes.
On the second Sunday of Oktoberfest, an incredible, free event called “ Wiesn Landlord’s Concert” takes place in the courtyard of the Bavarian statue near the Schottenhamel tent. In this concert, the mayor and all the festival landlords (the owners of the beer tents) come together to throw an epic party with live music and interact with all the festival attendees.
At the end of the musical show, thousands of balloons are released into the sky as the Bavarian national anthem plays. It’s so wholesome!
If you love traditional costumes and styles, don’t miss Oktoberfest’s traditional German costume and hunter parade that has been happening since 1950.
This dazzling parade is even more significant than the opening ceremony, and about 9000 participants parade through Munich. A fashion parade showcasing the style of Bavarian Lederhosen and Dirndl wearers, hunting clubs, and marching bands is entertaining to watch and inculcates cultural appreciation in the viewer.
Delicious Bavarian food is a significant part of Oktoberfest, and the options are endless. Stuffing your face with pretzels, knoedels, roast chickens, bratwurst, and sweet almonds would make the happy chemicals berserk in your brain.
And the best part is that the food at Oktoberfest even has vegan and non-vegan options! Since you’ll find many food stalls and vendors all over Wiesn, you don’t have to drink beer or go to beer tents to purchase anything you could ever want to eat.
Other Notables
4. Leberkäse: Don’t let the name fool you; Leberkäse, which translates to “liver cheese,” is actually a flavorful meatloaf made from finely ground pork, beef, and bacon. Served hot with mustard and bread, it’s a comforting and satisfying option for those craving a meaty treat.
5. Obatzda: Indulge in the creamy goodness of Obatzda, a traditional Bavarian cheese spread made from ripe Camembert or similar soft cheese blended with butter, beer, onions, and spices. Served with freshly baked bread or pretzels, it’s the perfect appetizer to complement your beer.
6. Kaiserschmarrn: Treat your sweet tooth to Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy shredded pancake served with powdered sugar, fruit compote, and sometimes even rum-soaked raisins. This classic Bavarian dessert is decadent, delicious, and guaranteed to leave you craving more.
7. Steckerlfisch (Grilled Fish on a Stick): For a lighter option, try Steckerlfisch, succulent fish skewered and grilled over an open flame. Whether it’s trout, mackerel, or salmon, the smoky flavor and tender flesh of this seafood delight make it a popular choice among festival-goers.
8. Dampfnudel: Indulge in the pillowy softness of Dampfnudel, a steamed dumpling served hot with vanilla sauce or fruit compote. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat or a comforting dessert, Dampfnudel is sure to leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
9. Schmalzkuchen: Satisfy your sweet cravings with Schmalzkuchen, bite-sized fried doughnuts dusted with powdered sugar. These irresistible treats are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sugary snack between sips of beer.
Oktoberfest offers a variety of shopping options for all shopaholics. From Oktoberfest merchandise like beer steins, Alpine hats (Tirolerhüte), gingerbread hearts, and clothes pins to souvenir photographs, you’ll have plenty of options.
You can also look around the Munich markets and get some classy traditional German shoes, clothes, jewelry, or home decor items. You can get these souvenirs as gifts for your loved ones, too, or take them with you as a memory of a beautiful trip to remember forever.
Traditional Attire (Trachten): Immerse yourself in Bavarian culture by donning traditional attire like dirndls for women and lederhosen for men. The festival grounds are dotted with stalls selling a wide range of Trachten in various styles, colors, and designs. Whether you’re looking for a classic ensemble or a modern twist on traditional garb, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste.
Souvenirs and Memorabilia: Commemorate your Oktoberfest experience with a souvenir to cherish for years to come. From beer steins and shot glasses adorned with festival logos to T-shirts, keychains, and magnets featuring iconic Bavarian motifs, there’s no shortage of memorabilia to choose from. Pick up a piece of Oktoberfest history and take home a memento of your time at the world’s largest beer festival.
Handcrafted Goods: Support local artisans and craftsmen by browsing the handcrafted goods on offer at Oktoberfest. From intricate wood carvings and handmade jewelry to artisanal ceramics and textiles, you’ll find a diverse array of unique and one-of-a-kind treasures. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or treating yourself to something special, the artisan stalls at Oktoberfest are sure to delight discerning shoppers.
Olympia Looping is the world’s largest transportable and most iconic rollercoaster. It is well-known for its distinctive loop structure, which consists of 5 loops through which the roller coaster passes at 100km/h, which will have you stumbling with shaky legs by the end of the ride.
Riders typically need to purchase separate tickets for Olympia Looping. Thrill seekers and daredevils from all over the world come to experience this and compete to see who can pass through the most loops without vomiting( cue: lots of beer drinking combined with rollercoaster results in lots of puking, too, oops). The cost of the Olympia-looping tickets depends on the number of loops you want to experience.
You can go out on a Munich city tour to places such as:
English Garden, Bavarian National Museum, Wildlife parks, Lake Starnberg, Art galleries, and even the Bavarian countryside, where the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle is situated.
The Devil’s Wheel, aka Teufelsrad, is a classic thriller ride in which participants are challenged to stay as long as they can on the ride. It might sound easy, but the ride goes wild in all directions, trying to get the participants to lose. It’s not only fun to experience but also very amusing to watch. The winner is the person who stays on the Devil’s Wheel the most time and is awarded bragging rights. The “Devil’s Wheel” has been one of the most beloved attractions for decades now. It has gained global popularity owing to its construction.
Devil’s Wheel in Munich is a stand surrounded by spinning discs arranged horizontally and challenges the participants to stay the longest on it to win the game.
In conclusion, it’s a misconception that Oktoberfest can’t be enjoyed if you don’t drink beer. The festival’s vibe and atmosphere are lively and vibrant, and people of all ages can immensely enjoy the unique rides, games, parades, and musical events that spice it up. So, why miss out? Add it to your bucket list and discover whether the festival is worth the hype.
1. What makes Oktoberfest different?
Oktoberfest began as a wedding celebration of the Bavarian prince and is now more of a beer festival and fun festivities. It lasts for 17 days, and the enthusiasm of the locals remains the same throughout.
2. Why is Oktoberfest so special?
Oktoberfest is the world’s second-largest festival, with cultural roots in Munich, Germany. Due to its association with the Bavarian prince, it is of considerable importance to the locals.
3. Are kids allowed at Oktoberfest?
Although the name “Beer Festival” can make you wonder if under-18 kids can join the party, it is equally fun for them, excluding beer consumption. They can enjoy the music, dance, amusement rides, and the whole festivity vibe.
4. Is Munich a good holiday destination?
Munich is a popular holiday destination with its lively nightlife and well-known destinations. If you are planning a trip, consider the Oktoberfest days for a vacation with cultural significance.
References
https://brainly.com/question/39272310
https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/how-to-survive-oktoberfest/
https://www.citybrewtours.com/blog/oktoberfest-rides/
https://mapandmagnets.com/the-non-beer-drinkers-guide-to-oktoberfest/
https://www.pptravel.com/blog/enjoy-oktoberfest-without-beer
https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/oktoberfest-munich/
https://www.oktoberfesttours.travel/oktoberfest-munich/
Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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