Oktoberfest: How It All Began | OpenRice Singapore

For most of us, the period from late September to early October is just like any ordinary day. But for beer lovers, it’s a different story. If given the chance, most of them fly off to Munich, Germany to participate in one of its most popular events we all know as Oktoberfest.

Considered as one of the biggest and merriest events in the world, it’s quite interesting to look back and see how this all began. On 12 October 1810, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later crowned as King Ludwig I) wanted his people to join in the celebration of his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The joyous occasion was held at Theresienwiese ("Theresa's fields"), the vast field located in front of the city gates and named after the princess. As part of the festivities, Prince Ludwig also conducted horse races to make it much more fun. Everybody had so much fun that they decided to conduct this kind of event every year. This gave rise to the Oktoberfest. The following year, agricultural shows were included in the programme. Later on, the celebration became bigger with the addition of carnival type attractions such as a carousels and swings. Eventually, beer stands were introduced to the fun-fair, and until now it’s still a huge part of Oktoberfest. Though the Oktoberfest Celebration now doesn’t have horse races, they still hold agricultural shows every few years to commemorate the beginning. Beer tents are still a common sight but they have become bigger that each can accommodate around 5,000 people. Entertainment, too, has also grander now with musicians and bands keeping people on a high. As for the celebrators, it’s not uncommon to see them dressed up in their traditional outfits and holding a mug of rich and malty beer. Thought Oktoberfest has changed throughout the years, one thing still stays the same. It’s held every year for people who want to have a freakin’ good time! Bars and lounges worth checking out Recommended German dishes by other foodies