Every year, Munich becomes the heart of Bavarian celebration as it welcomes millions to Oktoberfest – the world’s biggest folk festival. With its distinctive mix of history, culture, music, and, of course, beer, it’s a tradition that continues to captivate people around the globe. But Oktoberfest is far more than just steins and sausages. Its roots go back over 200 years, and the customs surrounding it have shaped generations of celebration.
Whether you’re planning to visit Munich, attend a local UK Oktoberfest event, or host your own, it’s worth taking a closer look at how this incredible tradition began, how it has evolved, and why it remains so important to this day.
Royal Beginnings in 1810
Oktoberfest’s story begins with a royal wedding. On 12 October 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. To share their joy with the people of Munich, the royal couple invited all citizens to a large public celebration.
The festivities were held on a meadow just outside the city gates. In honour of the bride, the grounds were named Theresienwiese – literally “Theresa’s Meadow” – a name still used today. Locals affectionately refer to it as d’Wiesn.
The highlight of the celebration was a horse race, and it proved so popular that it was repeated the following year. What began as a one-off royal event gradually grew into an annual festival for the people.
19th Century Evolution
The success of the early events encouraged organisers to add new attractions. In 1811, an agricultural fair was introduced to promote Bavarian farming, a tradition that continues every four years. Carnival booths followed in 1818, offering games with prizes such as porcelain, silverware, and jewellery.
The layout of Oktoberfest also began to change. Early festivals were simple, with temporary stalls and stands. As the event drew more people, the organisers introduced larger tents and beer halls to accommodate guests and musicians. Beer and food stalls multiplied as demand grew.
By the 1830s, Oktoberfest was an established tradition. To take advantage of better weather, the start date was moved to late September, allowing for warmer days and longer evenings. The festival now typically runs for 16 to 18 days, ending on the first Sunday in October.
The first parade — held in 1810 to honour the royal couple – also became a regular fixture. Today, it features thousands of participants dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, marching from the heart of Munich to the festival grounds.
Oktoberfest Through Turbulent Times
Despite its popularity, Oktoberfest has not been immune to the ups and downs of European history.
In the early 19th century, the festival was cancelled several times due to war and outbreaks of cholera. Notable cancellations occurred during:
- The Napoleonic Wars (1813)
- Cholera outbreaks in 1854 and 1873
- The Austro-Prussian War (1866)
- The Franco-Prussian War (1870)
During these times, the safety of the public understandably took priority.
In the 20th century, the festival was suspended during both World Wars. Following World War I, a smaller autumn festival was held in place of Oktoberfest in 1919 and 1920. Hyperinflation caused further cancellations in 1923 and 1924.
Under Nazi rule in the 1930s, Oktoberfest was co-opted as a propaganda tool. Jewish people were forbidden from working at the festival from 1933 onwards. In 1938, the festival was renamed Großdeutsches Volksfest (Greater German Folk Festival) as part of the regime’s nationalist agenda.
Between 1939 and 1945, Oktoberfest was not celebrated due to World War II. A modest version known as the “Autumn Fest” returned from 1946 to 1948, with traditional Oktoberfest beer banned and replaced by standard beer.
Traditions That Continue Today
From the 1950s onwards, Oktoberfest began to reclaim its roots, with many traditions restored and formalised.
One of the most beloved customs is the official opening ceremony. At noon on the first Saturday of the festival, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer with a wooden mallet, declaring “O’zapft is!” – “It’s tapped!” This marks the official start of the festivities. The first litre is then handed to the Bavarian Minister-President.
Two major parades take place at the start of Oktoberfest. The first includes beer tent owners, breweries, waitresses, and traditional music groups. The second is the Costume and Riflemen’s Parade, featuring thousands of participants in historic dress, including members of traditional shooting clubs, marching bands, and folk dancers.
Traditional Bavarian clothing adds to the festive atmosphere. Men wear lederhosen, while women don dirndls. Hats often feature a tuft of chamois hair, once a sign of wealth and status.
Oktoberfest Beer and Cuisine
At the heart of Oktoberfest is its beer – specially brewed for the event and slightly stronger than standard lager. Only six breweries, all based in Munich, are allowed to produce this official Oktoberfest beer:
- Augustiner
- Hacker-Pschorr
- Hofbräu
- Löwenbräu
- Paulaner
- Spaten
Each brewery runs its own beer tent, serving beer in one-litre steins (krugs). These hefty glass mugs are so popular that souvenir versions are available; however, attempting to pocket one illegally can result in hefty fines.
As for food, Oktoberfest is a feast of traditional Bavarian fare. Visitors can enjoy:
- Roast chicken (Hendl)
- Pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe)
- Bratwurst and other sausages
- Giant pretzels (Brezn)
- Potato salad
- Sauerkraut
- Apple strudel
Sweet treats like Lebkuchenherzen – heart-shaped gingerbread biscuits decorated with icing and phrases in Bavarian dialect – are also a favourite. They’re often worn as necklaces or taken home as souvenirs.
Safety, Services, and Facilities
With millions of visitors attending each year, Oktoberfest takes safety seriously. The German Red Cross operates on site with volunteer medics and doctors available throughout the event. The Munich police are present across the grounds, supported by fire services and other municipal bodies.
Additional services include:
- A dedicated security point for women
- A lost property office
- A lost children station
- Multilingual support staff
Modern Highlights
Oktoberfest is not just about beer and bratwurst. The modern festival features a variety of attractions and entertainment options:
- Fun fair rides, including rollercoasters, log flumes, and the iconic 164-foot Ferris wheel
- Budenstrasse, an avenue lined with food stalls, souvenir booths, and carnival games
- Family Days on Tuesdays, offering discounted rides and performances
The Schichtl variety show, a historic theatrical performance, remains a crowd favourite. Other attractions include vintage carousels, traditional puppet theatres, and musical acts from oompah bands to folk ensembles.
A unique part of modern Oktoberfest is Gay Sunday, held in the Bräurosl tent on the first Sunday of the festival. It has been a fixture since the 1970s, celebrating inclusivity and diversity.
Since 2005, a “silent Oktoberfest” initiative has been in place to create a more family-friendly atmosphere. Before 6 pm, only traditional brass band music is allowed in the tents.
Creating Your Own Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest’s charm has inspired local versions across the world — including here in the UK. Whether it’s a village fête, corporate event, wedding celebration or pub garden party, more and more people are bringing a slice of Bavaria to Britain.
To create the right look and feel, the setting is key. Traditional long tables and benches allow guests to enjoy shared platters, raise steins together, and soak up the spirit of the festival.
BE Event Hire has proudly supported UK Oktoberfest-style events for over 20 years. We supply:
- Trestle tables for communal seating and dining
- Beer tables and benches that mirror authentic German layouts
- Nationwide delivery and collection for events of any size
From a few tables for a garden party to thousands for a large city centre Oktoberfest, we’ve got the stock and experience to help you get it right.
To complete the experience, add:
- Bavarian music playlists or a live brass band
- Decorative touches like blue-and-white bunting
- Traditional menus with bratwurst, pretzels, and beer
- Staff or guests in traditional dress to elevate the atmosphere
A Toast to Tradition
Oktoberfest is more than a festival. It’s a cultural tradition with a rich history that has weathered wars, political changes, and modern challenges. At its core, it celebrates community, cheer, and Bavarian hospitality.
From its royal beginnings in 1810 to its modern-day splendour in Munich, Oktoberfest has always brought people together. It remains a living symbol of Bavarian pride and joy – and it continues to inspire festive events across the UK and beyond.
Whether you’re planning to travel to Munich or host a celebration closer to home, BE Event Hire can help you recreate the Oktoberfest magic with authentic furniture hire, seamless service, and expert support.
Raise a stein, tap the keg, and celebrate tradition in true Bavarian style – O’zapft is!
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