History of Octoberfest
In which country did Oktoberfest originate?
What is Germany? Oktoberfest began in Munich in the Kingdom of Bavaria. Bavaria is one of Germany’s 16 federal states
What type of food is commonly served at Oktoberfest?
What is Traditional Bavarian food?
Popular dishes include sausages, pretzels, roast chicken, pork dishes, and potato-based foods.
Pretzels known as Brezn are especially popular at the festival.
What animals traditionally pull the decorated beer wagons?
What are Horses?
Large draft horses pull ornate wagons carrying beer barrels and festival decorations. The horses and wagons are major symbols of traditional Oktoberfest imagery.
What are lederhosen?
What are Traditional leather shorts or trousers
Lederhosen are traditionally made from leather and are associated with Bavarian and Alpine culture. The word literally means “leather trousers.”
True or False: "Prost!" is the traditional toast commonly heard at Oktoberfest?
True! “Prost” is a German toast meaning “Cheers!”. Festival-goers often raise their mugs and say “Prost!” before drinking.
Why was the first Oktoberfest held in 1810?
What is Royal marriage? To celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, celebrations included horse races and public festivities. The event was so popular that Munich decided to repeat it the following year.
What type of sausage is commonly associated with Bavarian cuisine?
What is Weisswurst?
Weisswurst is a traditional white sausage made primarily from minced veal and pork. It is especially associated with Bavaria and Munich.
What parade brings the breweries’ decorated beer wagons into Oktoberfest?
What is the Landlords’ and Brewers’ Parade?
Beer tent owners and breweries travel through Munich in decorated carriages before the festival officially opens. The parade is one of the most colorful opening traditions.
What is a dirndl?
What is a traditional Alpine-style dress?
A dirndl generally consists of a bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron. Dirndls are especially associated with Bavaria and Austria.
True or False: Waitresses at Oktoberfest are known for only carrying one beer at a time.
What month does Oktoberfest usually begin?
What is September? Although the festival is called Oktoberfest, it traditionally begins in September.
Starting earlier provides better weather and allows the festival to run for more than two weeks.
What is a large Bavarian-style pretzel called?
What is Brezn?
Brezn is the Bavarian word for pretzel, and large soft pretzels are a classic Oktoberfest food. They are often served with mustard or other savory foods.
What does “O’zapft is!” mean?
What is “It is tapped!”?
The phrase announces that the first Oktoberfest beer barrel has been successfully tapped. It is traditionally shouted by Munich’s mayor during the opening ceremony.
What traditional Bavarian music is commonly performed at Oktoberfest?
What is Oompah or Polka music?
Oompah music features brass instruments, percussion, and lively folk melodies. Bands in Oktoberfest tents commonly perform traditional songs alongside modern hits.
True or False: A major part of the festivities at Oktoberfest is dancing!
True! Between folk dance and social dance, festival goers enjoy ample entertainment. Schuhplattler is a folk dance involving rhythmic slapping of the thighs, knees, and hands. The dance originated in the Alpine regions of Bavaria and Austria.
What is the official opening ceremony of Oktoberfest called?
What is Tapping of the first beer barrel?
Munich’s mayor traditionally taps the first barrel and declares the festival officially open.
The famous phrase is “O’zapft is!” meaning “It is tapped!”
What is sauerkraut?
What is Fermented cabbage
Sauerkraut is made by fermenting finely shredded cabbage, producing its distinctive sour flavor. It is a traditional accompaniment to many German and Bavarian dishes.
What is a traditional Oktoberfest beer mug called?
What is Maß or Stein?
A Maß is a one-liter serving of beer commonly associated with the Munich festival. The word refers to the measurement rather than simply the glass itself.
Which instrument is strongly associated with Bavarian oompah bands?
What is the Tuba?
The tuba provides the deep bass sound that is characteristic of many brass bands. Trumpets, trombones, and other brass instruments are also common.
True or False: Only six breweries are officially allowed to serve beer at Oktoberfest.
True! Only six Munich breweries meet the requirements for serving beer at the official festival. They are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Spaten, and Hofbräu.
What is the name of the main Oktoberfest festival grounds in Munich?
What is Theresienwiese?
Theresienwiese is the large open area where Munich’s Oktoberfest takes place each year. The site was named after Princess Therese, whose wedding inspired the original festival.
What is a traditional Bavarian dumpling called?
What are Knödel?
Knödel are dumplings that can be made from bread, potatoes, or other ingredients. They are commonly served with hearty meat dishes and sauces.
How many major beer tents are traditionally associated with Munich Oktoberfest?
What is 14?
The festival features around 14 large main beer tents, along with numerous smaller tents.The exact number can vary slightly from year to year.
What animal is traditionally associated with some Oktoberfest decorations and souvenirs?
What is a lion?
Lions are strongly connected with Bavarian heraldry and appear in many Munich and Bavaria-related designs. The Bavarian coat of arms includes heraldic lions.
True or False: The German Beer Purity Law established rules concerning ingredients used in brewing beer.
True! The 1516 Bavarian regulation established rules concerning ingredients used in brewing beer and is an important part of German brewing history.