Every year, the mayor of the Bavarian city has the honor of inaugurating the festival with the opening of the first beer barrel. The whole event takes place at the Schottenhamel stand with the cry 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 fact, since August, there are beer festivals all over Germany, but the peak is in Munich, where the festival is called “Wiesn“.
The origins of the festival (improperly also called October Fest by some) date back to 1810, the year when the marriage of Ludwig I (then crown prince) with Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen (Theresa of Saxony) was celebrated. The festival was very popular with the Bavarian inhabitants to the extent that they wanted to repeat it every year. Thus, a large clearing on the outskirts of the city has been occupied for almost two centuries by tourists from all over the world (no fewer than 6 million enthusiasts participate every year).
During the festival, there are various attractions such as old and new rides, and of course the stands of the breweries Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu, Hackerbräu, Paulanerbrauerei, Spatenbräu, Hofbräuhaus, and others, where it is also possible to taste the typical Bavarian dishes.
Not to be missed are the brewery parade, the costume parade, and the great concert at Theresienwiese by the musical bands. All stands are set up by the major beer producers present in Munich. All stands serve beer until 10:30 PM, except for the last day, when the closing time is postponed by an hour (11:30 PM). Entrance to the area is free.
