German Beer Drinking At Its Finest- Oktoberfest

Last week marked the end of Oktoberfest. First originating in October, 1810, this 16 day festival is held each year in Munich and runs from late September to early October.

Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events in the city and the largest in the world. Over six million people attend each year and beer plays a central role in the fair.

In addition to beer, visitors consume large quantities of food such as sausages, chicken, bread and sauerkraut. Many dress in traditional German attire, men sporting Lederhosen and in women Dirndls.

As a new inhabitant of Germany, this was one festival I had to witness first-hand. Although I’m not a beer drinker, I’ve always been curious as to what the big fuss was all about.

At the location of the festival, there were many tents filled with thousands of people. Our tent contained 16,000 people. There was a big band that played traditional German music and songs from the 80's, while the masses sang along. Sporadically, a large group of people would shout “prost”, as they collided enormous glasses of beer, and then slammed them down on the table, slightly spilling its contents – this is German-style.

Later that evening, I had noticed several people who had over indulged, staggering through the crowds or sitting outside the restrooms in a drunken stupor (not my idea of fun).

Anywy, for me, Oktoberfest was fun to experience once. Being in the mist of large crowds and drunken people brings no value to me whatsoever. However, I can say that this was one more adventure I can cross off my “100 Places to Visit before I Die” list.