Oktoberfest is just around the corner, and if you’re a fan of beer and good food and just want a reason to celebrate, then this time of the year is ideal for you. Oktoberfest is considered one of the world’s largest and most iconic folk festivals, and Oktoberfest 2024 kicks off on September 21 and ends on October 6. Also known as Wiesn to locals, this enthusiastic event originated in Munich, Germany and is a celebration of Bavarian culture, complete with beer, food, music, and traditional attire. The festival attracts millions of visitors and tourists worldwide who come to participate in the unique blend of tradition and fun. We at LatestLY will provide you with a detail about Oktoberfest, from its date to its meaning to traditions and celebrations.

Oktoberfest 2024 Dates

Despite the name, Oktoberfest begins late in September and continues until the first week of October. Oktoberfest 2024 will commence on September 21 and continue until October 6.

Oktoberfest History and Meaning

Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, when it was first held to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The wedding festivities were a great success, and they became an annual event, eventually evolving into the modern-day Oktoberfest. The festival is deeply rooted in Bavarian culture, and over the years, it has become a symbol of camaraderie and shared joy.

Oktoberfest is also known as ‘Wiesn’ by the locals, who use the term to refer to the Theresienwiese, the fairgrounds in Munich where the event takes place. Oktoberfest has grown from a local event to a global phenomenon, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Oktoberfest Traditions and Celebrations

The heart of Oktoberfest is beer, specially brewed according to Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Only Munich-based breweries that meet these strict standards are allowed to serve beer at the festival. Visitors gather in massive beer tents, enjoying litres of specially brewed Märzen beer, a type of lager with a slightly higher alcohol content that is served especially at Oktoberfest.

Moreover, food also plays a significant role in the celebration. Attendees enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes such as bratwurst, pretzels, sauerkraut, and roast chicken. The festival also is a source of entertainment as it offers a variety of amusement rides, games, and parades, making it a family-friendly event. Another key event is the Oktoberfest parade, which features marching bands, dancers, and people dressed in traditional Bavarian attire like lederhosen for men and dirndls for women.

Oktoberfest is more than just a beer festival but a celebration of Bavarian culture and traditions that bring people together from around the world. Whether you attend the festival in Munich or celebrate from home, the spirit of Oktoberfest encourages revelry, friendship, and a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage it honours. Oktoberfest 2024 will provide you with unparallel excitement, tradition and plenty of joy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2024 02:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).