Say Prost to Oktoberfest

Vighnesh Nagathan

September is on the verge of dusk and it’s now time for beer lovers all over to enjoy overflowing mugs and Krug (steins). It is the occasion for them to howl and hoot with strangers, friends and family enjoying a delicious draught beer. Oktoberfest is back on the ‘high’way!
Celebrations are sure a specialty of a region in a particular country but Oktoberfest has imbibed a global spirit, unique to itself. This German gala sure reflects the cultural kaleidoscope of their region with unique fashion, unique-brewed beer, and unique traditions.

Oktoberfest does have a scanty 200-year history to back it. It was first celebrated to commemorate Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, marrying Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
Many allegations have risen questioning the integrity and morality of Oktoberfest. Nevertheless, its one of the largest fetes in Deutschland and is now popular all-over the world. Celebrated annually in the city of Munich, Bavaria, the fest is attended by more than 5 million people from different ethnicities and region.

It’s normal for a novice to ask if Oktoberfest is celebrated in the month of October – in fact, its not! It starts by the late half of September continuing to 16-17 days up to the first Sunday of October. Post-German reunification, the norms changed. If the Sunday falls on 1st or 2nd of October, the celebrations will extend to the 3rd of the month, thus it can extend to 17-18 days.
Coming to the focal point, barrels and barrels of beer will be flowing through the mugs served in small and big tents erected on the grounds of Therese, often called Wiesn for short. The festival is a haven for booze, partying and music with family and friends.

Its mandatory for beer allowed to be served in the festival has to pass the criteria of being brewed within the city limits of Munich. Upon passing this criterion, a beer is selected as Oktoberfest Beer. Oktoberfest Beer is a registered Trademark by the Club of Munich Brewers.

You can get to different beer tents in the grounds depending on the brands you choose. Many have attracting offers and games to spice up your Beer celebration. Hendl (chicken), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock) are some of the main food accompaniments consumed along with the beer.

As important as drinking is the Oktoberfest fashion events. Tight leathered lederhosen for men and beautiful dirndl for women are norm. Majority of the participants wear these traditional dresses to get immersed in the spirit of festival. Lederhosen are breeches made of leather; they may be either short or of knee-length. It’s usually associated with virility and brawn.

Dirndl normally consists of a bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron. Its the traditional attire of the Alpine peasants. White blouse is usually worn, with a dark color bodice and skirt. It’s then complemented by a light colored apron. Of late, the dresses are usually worn during Oktoberfest, where length of the skirt and neck lines deviates from conventional styles.
It’s a treat to watch young German girls serving around 12-16 mugs of beer mugs sans any tray at once, wearing dirndl that sport low bust lines known as Bavarian dirndls. You will also get to see tourists wearing dirndls and lederhosen, enjoying beer irrespective of the gender. Many Oktoberfest merchandise are available nowadays, which includes the Oktoberfest Bavarian hats (Tirolerhüte), which contain a tuft of goat hair.

Beer rates change with the tents you choose. The fest usually is calmer in the morning- ideal for family crowds, and comes to full throttle in the evenings. Also, smoking is prohibited inside the halls. However smoking is allowed when you are out on the open grounds.

Enough of the blabber! Are you now ready to clink the glasses of light, sweet Oktoberfest beer and say “Prost!”(cheers).

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Say Prost to Oktoberfest

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