The Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world and takes place every year in Munich, Germany. It usually starts at the end of September and lasts until the beginning of October, for a total of 16 to 18 days. Millions of people from all over the world come to enjoy Bavarian culture, traditional beer, music, costumes and food.
The festival dates back to 1810, when it was first held to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The Theresienwiese, where the festival is held, is named after the princess.
At the Oktoberfest there are numerous large beer tents with Oktoberfest decorations, which are operated by various Munich breweries. Each tent has its own unique atmosphere and offers live music. Only beer brewed in accordance with the Bavarian Purity Law and from one of Munich's six breweries (Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten) is served.
Many visitors wear traditional Bavarian clothing: Men often wear lederhosen and women dirndls. In addition to the beer tents, there are many fairground rides, stalls selling souvenirs and stalls offering Bavarian specialities such as pretzels, roast chicken, sausages and pork knuckles
