Every year, it is the mayor of the Bavarian city who has the honor of inaugurating the festival by opening the first beer keg. This all takes place at the Schottenhamel tent with the shout of “O’zapft is!”, in Bavarian dialect, whose meaning is incomprehensible to the many foreigners who come here every year from all over the world.
In reality, starting from August, beer festivals take place all over Germany, but the climax is reached right in Munich where the festival is called “Wiesn“.
The origins of the festival (improperly called by some October Fest) date back to 1810, the year when the wedding of Ludwig I (then crown prince) with Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen (Theresa of Saxony) was celebrated. The festival was very popular among the Bavarian inhabitants to the extent that they wanted it repeated every year. Thus, a large plain on the outskirts of the city has been occupied by tourists from all over the world for nearly two centuries (as many as 6 million enthusiasts participate every year).
During the festival, there are various attractions such as old and new rides, and of course the tents of the breweries Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu, Hackerbräu, Paulanerbrauerei, Spatenbräu, Hofbräuhaus and others, where you can also taste typical Bavarian dishes.
Not to be missed are the brewery procession, the costume parade, and the great Theresienwiese concert of the musical bands. All the tents are set up by the major beer producers present in Munich. All tents serve beer until 10:30 PM except for the last day when closing time is extended by one hour (11:30 PM). Entrance to the area is free.
