Germany celebrates 200 years of Munich's Oktoberfest – (18th Sept 2010 to 4th Oct 2010):

This year Germany is going to celebrate 200 years of Munich’s Oktoberfest, known as the “largest folk fest (People‘s Fair) in the World”. Undoubtedly this year the festival will be more special with additional programmes .Therefore the city with its barrels of excitements and entertainments will be waiting for its visitors.

Munich's Oktoberfest

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Background history of Munich’ Oktoberfest:

On 18th October 1810, the “Oktoberfest” first occurred in Munich (Germany) on the occasion of commemoration of the royal marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The royal festival was followed by a horse race. Gradually year after year the festival turned into a bigger celebration. In the second year an agricultural show was introduced. The mechanical ride was added to the festival in the year 1870 and in 1908 the Germany’s first roller coaster was introduced.

But, over the past 200 years, 24 times the festival was canceled because of cholera epidemics and wars.

More-than-6-million-visitors-at-Oktober-fest-Munich

The major events of the festival:

‘Oktoberfest’ is a festival which brings colorful costume, riflemen’s parades, open air concerts and is famous for its beer and sausages. The event starts with grand entry of the landlords to the Theresienwiese. Then at the noon the Mayor taps the first keg of beer with the famous traditional cry followed by 12 gun salute.

Rifelmen's Parade during Oktoberfest

The parade, performed by more than 7000 performers is the best part, which leads through Munich and displays the Bavarian culture, history, regional costumes, historic craftsmen’s tools and lots of other items.

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Parade at Oktoberfest

The open air concert by more than 400 musicians on the second Sunday of Oktoberfest is another center of attraction.

Oktoberfest Food, Beer and Music – main attractions or celebrations:

Waitress serves Beer in Oktoberfest

Tourists and local folks equally consume large quantities of Oktoberfest food and beer and join together in music.

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Bravarian food in Oktober fest

‘Bierstueberl ‘is a cozy beer pub, located at Oktoberfest Museum which is the oldest residential home.

Beer Hall at Oktober fest in Munich

Other tourist’s attractions nearby:

Munich is the capital of Bavaria and lies at the foot of Alps which has a unique blend of sophistication with friendlier scale. While walking around the city you will come across Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the best castles in the world was built in 1868 by King Ludwig II. Lake Starnberg, Marien Square, Rathaus ( the new town hall ) , Altes Rathaus (the old town hall), the Olympic Tower ( 951 feet high ) which was built in 1973, the English Garden ( Munich’s largest garden ), Hofbräuhaus ( world famous beer hall ), Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt ( bustling farmers’ market) and Munich Churches – are prominent attractions of the city.

How to reach and where to stay:

The place is easily approached by air and cross- country buses. And exploring Munich on foot or by availing public transport would be a wonderful experience. The place has both star hotels and other types of accommodation for its tourists.