Oktoberfest: A Brief History and It’s Modern Application 

Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world with a rich history dating back to 1810. Facing wars, economic crises and, most recently, a pandemic, the tradition of Oktoberfest has continued for over 200 years. Oktoberfest has expanded globally and the appeal of Bavarian traditions applied to the modern day transcends borders. Who wouldn’t love dressing up in lederhosen and drinking beer! 

To me, the beauty of Oktoberfest is the continuation of tradition without fear of reinvention. Oktoberfest has resisted being restrictive for the sake of protecting tradition and has consistently modernised and introduced new ritual and tradition. Oktoberfest is proudly for everyone. The festival has Queer nights, schemes to protect women with dedicated safe spaces and has become a smoke-free festival. It has maintained the fun traditions of the event without being restrictive or exclusive.

For many, Oktoberfest is best known for beer. When you think of the beer, you’re probably imaging a lighter beer with the widely recognised golden colour. I was surprised to find out this was not the original beer enjoyed at Oktoberfest. Like most things, the style of beer has slowly evolved with its audience.  

This blog will briefly explore the traditions of Oktoberfest, specifically focused on beer, and the development of newer traditions.

Origins of Oktoberfest:

The very first Oktoberfest was a celebration of the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese. The idea came from Andreas Michael Dall’Armi of the Bavarian National Guard. On the 12^th of October 1810, celebrations of their wedding began and lasted for five days. The public were invited to celebrate in the fields around the castle, earning them the name “Theresienwiese” meaning Therese’s Meadow. To this day, locals refer to Oktoberfest as “Wiesn” meaning meadow, showcasing how the origins of the festival remain prevalent in Oktoberfest.

The first celebration was such a success, they held a second celebration the year after with the aim of making it an annual celebration. However, due to the Napoleonic War, the new Oktoberfest had to take a break only two years after its debut.

Two brief notes that I have found interesting during my research/ general discussions of Oktoberfest. The first is that beer didn’t seem to be a defining part of Oktoberfest until 1825. The second being the common confusion around Oktoberfest being celebrated at the end of September, into October.

In 1825, the number of beer vendors at Oktoberfest were limited to 18. Only the biggest breweries in Munich were allowed to sell their beer. Their stalls were organised into a circular formation which eventually evolved into the formation of smaller and larger interlinked tents designed to cater to huge crowds. This marks defining turning point in Oktoberfest as it signifies the growing importance of beer in the festivities.

Oktoberfest clearly refers to October. However, the festival takes place in the last two weeks of September and into the first week of October. Whilst the origins of Oktoberfest are due to the original celebrations taking place in October, modern audiences (1800s onwards) complained about Bavarian weather conditions in October. Typically, too cold, wet and muddy to be in a meadow, officials moved the festival to be late September into early October for better weather conditions. So, next time you see an Oktoberfest event happening in September (link here), don’t worry, it’s in line with Munich’s Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest Beer:

Typically, we imagine Oktoberfest beer to be golden or amber in colour, but this wasn’t always the case. The popularity of “Marzen” is a more recent tradition from 1872. Before this, it seems that darker beers like dark lagers and Dunkel were the popular choice at the original Oktoberfest’s.

Marzen supposedly became the most popular in 1872 due to a shortage of other beer. The crowds were exceptionally thirsty, and the stalls faced a beer shortage. So, they started Marzen style beers. Since then, Marzen has become the iconic beer so strongly associated with Oktoberfest. It stands as another example of the evolution and modernisation of traditions.

I found it interesting to see how serious beer is at Oktoberfest on a governmental level. Regulations and rules around beer (what can be sold, who can sell it, how) set out strict guidelines as to what is/ is not an Oktoberfest beer. EU regulations deem only beers brewed in Munich by select breweries can be named Oktoberfest beers. “Oktoberfestbier” is officially a Protected Geographical Indication, much like Champagne. Furthermore, to this day only a select amount of breweries can serve at Oktoberfest and they must be from within the Munich area.

Another iconic image of Oktoberfest is the glass stein. An abbreviation of the word “steinkrug” meaning stone jug, steins are arguably the most recognisable image of Oktoberfest. The stein was originally invented as a large stone jug (it’s literally in the name) as it kept beer colder for longer.  Perfect for large crowds, their large sturdy bodies ensure durability and ensure you don’t need to make repeat trips to the bar. The glass structure we know today originated from the shift from stone to glass due to hygiene concerns. Glass was deemed easier to clean, especially for big events like Oktoberfest, so the transition was made in 1892.

More recent traditions:

The Mayor begins Oktoberfest by tapping the barrel

 Started in 1950 when the mayor at the time, Thomas Wimmer, tapped the barrel so badly it became tradition.

Ban on up-beat dance music before 9pm

 In 2005, organisers prohibited dance music before 9pm. During the day, only brass bands can play.

Rosa Sonntag or Gay Sunday

 Since 1970, the first Sunday of each Oktoberfest brings together the Queer community 

Some fun facts I really enjoy:

·      In 1901, Messrs. I and M. Hager were documented to have drunk ten litres of beer. They were awarded an official diploma for doing so.

·      In 2011, more beer was drunk than ever before at Oktoberfest. A grand total of 79,225 hectolitres were drunk. That’s roughly 14,000,000 pints.

·      Albert Einstein installed the first electric lights at Oktoberfest.

But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Oktoberfest in Munich. We are bringing Oktoberfest to Dunblane. In the heart of Scotland, we are having our own Oktoberfest with Bavarian attire, German food, beer steins and great vibes! On Saturday the 26^th of September, Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing Oktoberfest will kick off at 5pm and finish around 11pm. Our super tickets include a SiWC huge glass stein and the first fill of it for free. Standard tickets include a free drink on entrance! BUY TICKETS HERE!

Huge vibes, big beer, great food, all in the heart of Scotland