Oktoberfest facts for kids
The Oktoberfest (also known as Wiesn) is a famous German festival. It happens every year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The festival takes place on a large public area called the Theresienwiese. It usually starts in late September and ends in early October.
Oktoberfest is a huge social event. People enjoy lots of food and drinks. There are also fun rides and games. The festival lasts for 16 days. It always finishes on the first Sunday in October. If this Sunday is October 1st or 2nd, the festival is extended. It then ends on October 3rd. This date is important because it is German Unity Day. This day celebrates when East Germany and West Germany became one country again in 1990.
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History of Oktoberfest
The First Oktoberfest Celebration
The very first Oktoberfest took place a long time ago. It was on October 12, 1810. This special event celebrated a royal wedding. King Ludwig I of Bavaria married Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebration lasted for five days. There was music, food, and drinks for everyone.
At the end of the wedding feast, a big horse race was held. People loved the celebration and the horse race so much. Because of this, they decided to hold the feast and race again in the following years. This tradition then grew into the large festival we know today.
A Sad Event in Oktoberfest History
On September 26, 1980, a very sad event happened. A person acting alone caused an explosion. This incident led to the deaths of 12 people. The person responsible also died. This was a difficult time for the festival.
Oktoberfest Today
The World's Largest Fair
Today, Oktoberfest is known as the world's largest fair. It has become very famous and popular around the globe. About six million people visit the festival every year. Many visitors and tourists come to Munich from all over the world. They come specifically to experience Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest Around the World
The success of Oktoberfest has inspired other cities. Many places now hold similar festivals. These events are often called "Oktoberfest" too. They try to capture the fun and spirit of the original Munich festival.
Popular Attractions
One of the most famous attractions at Oktoberfest is a large roller coaster. It is called the "Wilde Maus." In English, this name means "Wild Mouse." It is a thrilling ride that many visitors enjoy.
The Festival Tents
There are 14 main tents at the Oktoberfest. These tents are huge structures. They offer different atmospheres and types of food and entertainment. Each tent is run by a specific brewery. They provide a place for visitors to gather, eat, and enjoy the festival.
| Name | Brewery | Seating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| inside | outside | ||
| Hippodrom | Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu | 3,200 | 1,000 |
| Armbrustschützenzelt | Paulaner | 5,839 | 1,600 |
| Hofbräu Festzelt | Hofbräu München | 6,896 | 3,622 |
| Hacker-Festzelt | Hacker-Pschorr | 9,300 | 0 |
| Schottenhamel | Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu | 6,000 | 4,000 |
| Winzerer Fähndl | Paulaner | 8,450 | 2,450 |
| Schützen-Festhalle | Löwenbräu | 4,442 | 0 |
| Käfers Wiesen Schänke | Paulaner | 1,000 | 1,900 |
| Weinzelt | Nymphenburger Sekt | 1,300 | 600 |
| Paulaner Weißbier | |||
| Löwenbräu-Festhalle | 5,700 | 2,800 | |
| Bräurosl | Hacker-Pschorr | 6,000 | 2,200 |
| Augustiner-Festhalle | Augustiner Bräu | 6,000 | 2,500 |
| Ochsenbraterei | Spaten | 5,900 | 1,500 |
| Fischer Vroni | Augustiner | 2,695 | 700 |
Images for kids
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Horse race at the Oktoberfest in Munich, 1823
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Portrait of a girl wearing a Dirndl dress
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Bavaria statue above the Theresienwiese
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Gamsbärte at the entry of the Oktoberfest restaurateurs, 2008
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Music entertainment at the Oktoberfest, 2015
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Celebrating 200 years of Oktoberfest in 2010
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Main entrance to the Historical Oktoberfest
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Folk dancers performing at the Historisches Oktoberfest
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Rosa Wiesn in 2016
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Coachmen in costume
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The Hacker-Pschorr Brewery horse team
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Participants in the 2013 costume and riflemen parade
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A waitress with Hacker-Pschorr, one of the traditional beers allowed to be served at Oktoberfest. She wears a Dirndl, a traditional women's dress of Bavaria.
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The Oktoberfest fairground (Theresienwiese) in Munich, aerial view
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Police video surveillance
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The authorities court
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Oktoberfest 2003 seen at night from the Ferris wheel
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Theresienwiese, the closest U-Bahn station to the Oktoberfest
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Construction of the marquees
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Olympia Looping at night
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Gingerbread hearts from Oktoberfest
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Chairoplane at the Oktoberfest, Paulskirche in the back
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"Skater" at night
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See also
In Spanish: Oktoberfest para niños
