The Oktoberfest in Germany is a well known name amongst the people who have a love for great beer and unrestricted parties all day. It is organized every year in Munich, Germany and is an indispensable part of the Bavarian culture.

It began all the way back in 1810 at the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig. A horse race was organized in the month of October to mark their marriage and the feast thrown on their marriage.  Since then, barring any war outbreak or epidemic, a fest is organized every year in October at Munich, Germany known as the Oktoberfest.

Beer being the primary culinary delight has become a central part of this fest. Thus, this fest is popularly known as the Munich beer fest for the astonishing amounts of beer served during the sixteen days of the fest. It starts at noon on the first day with the mayor arriving in a specially decorated festive coach with a decorated beer can pulled by horse cart just behind him. After the ceremonial parade finishes, the mayor comes up and taps the first barrel of beer and shouts “o’zapft is!” which signals that Oktoberfest in Germany has begun. The first mug of beer is passed to the prime minister and then the various tents can start selling beer to people.

Due to its sheer magnitude and extravaganza, it attracts a large number of people from all around the globe to come and take part in this historic yet enjoyable event. Although it is called the Oktoberfest but a major part of it is over by September end as considering that the winters might arrive early.

This year (2009) it was held from 19th September to 4th of October. In spite of a recession hit world economy, the Oktoberfest in Germany saw an increase in the number of visitors as compared to last year signifying that this one of a kind event was a success yet again.