GERMANY

Most Oktoberfests in the United State try to emulate, even in a small way, or for at least to cash in on the name, of the most famous Oktoberfest in the world. The Munich Oktoberfest is the largest German "Volksfest" (folk festival) and the only one bearing the name "Oktoberfest" which functions somewhat like a trademark. It promises the world's biggest good-time affair, attended by millions of thirsty souls from all over the globe, and takes place on the "Theresienwiese" with its giant beer tents, where buxom beer maidens serve the precious brew by the liter in large steins, where thirty-piece Bavarian bands rock the thick air, and where there's no end to singing "them old time drinking songs."

The first Oktoberfest was actually part of a marriage celebration when, in October of 1810, Bavarian King Max Joseph gave a big time wedding for Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, with the Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It culminated with a series of horse races and gave rise to the tradition of the October festival, and in the following year, became an annual affair commemorating this grand wedding forevermore. The Oktoberfest we know today, evolved over time and incorporated a number of different traditions.
In the 18th century, horse races, once so popular, were disappearing. Franz Baumgartner, corporal of the national garde, horse lover and owner of a good race horse himself, thought of a way to revive the races. Why not make horse races a part of the marriage celebration! The story goes that one Major Andrä Dall'Armi was designated to lead a delegation of officers of the Guard to suggest it to the King. King Max Joseph was delighted.
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