Oktoberfest is one of the most awaited events in October across all nations. This originated in Munich, Germany in 1810.
Munich’s Oktoberfest claims to be the world’s largest folk festival. For years, it has attracted an average of 6 million visitors who consume around 7 million liters of beer alongside sausages, giant pretzels and even wild oxen.
The festival usually goes on for two weeks and is held just outside the center of Munich’s city. Apart from the eating, drinking, and dancing, everyone can enjoy the lavish and colorful parades and various rides.
Oktoberfest was then celebrated in October, but now it is celebrated a month earlier. This year, it started on September 22 and ends on October 7.
You may be wondering why Oktoberfest starts in September. The festival began on October 12, 1810 in celebration of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebration lasted until the 17th of October.
However, after many years, this was moved to September since the month has better weather conditions. Visitors are able to enjoy warmer nights outdoors without feeling chilly.
Important Figures During Oktoberfest
In Munich alone, the two-week celebration means sleepless nights for a lot of festival-goers. Some make a reservation ahead of time to ensure that they get the best spots. And while the event is open to everyone, children are requested to leave by 8 pm even if they are accompanied by their parents.
Here are some fast figures about the Munich Oktoberfest.
Annual visitors: 7,200,000
Beer consumed: 7,500,000 liters
Chickens eaten: 503,510
Number of fairground attractions: 115
Number of tents: 34
Oxen eaten: 122
Price of beer: €10.40-€10.70 per liter
Sausages snaffled: 235,356 pairs
Total area used for the celebration: 420,000 square meters
Total seating:106,000
Oktoberfest in Manila
Oktoberfest in the Philippines started way earlier, probably than the rest of the world. This was celebrated on the 1st September which was accompanied with a concert attended by various celebrities and beer lovers. And just as expected, there was overflowing beer to liven up the huge party. Oktoberfest is not just about drinking beer. It is about having fun and enjoying great music where everyone can join in singing and dancing at the same time.
Why go to an Oktoberfest?
Beer is one drink that most alcohol-lovers enjoy. Aside from it being inexpensive compared to wines and spirits, beer is also easy to enjoy with family and friends. You can also meet a lot of new people since this event is a crowd-drawer. If you’re a meat lover, you will love the food served in Oktoberfests.
If you enjoy such festivities, don’t miss out on Oktoberfest. Prost!
Armando Bartolome’s writings appear on GoodNewsPilipinas.com every Thursday.
(Armando Bartolome is known as the Philippines’ Franchise Guru, a mentor to numerous micro entrepreneurs who are now themselves big names in the industry. This article is reposted with the author’s permission and was previously published on The Business Mentor column posted by ABSCBN News. For questions and more information, you may contact Armando “Butz” Bartolome by email: philfranchiseguru@gmail.com or on Twitter @philfranguru. His website is https://www.gmbmsglobal.com/ )
