Munich Welcomes Millions for 190th Oktoberfest Celebration in September

Every year, Munich becomes the center of attention for beer lovers from around the world as it hosts Oktoberfest, one of the largest and most famous beer festivals. Despite its name, Oktoberfest begins in September, starting on the first Saturday after September 15 and ending on the first Sunday of October. This year marks the 190th edition of the festival, which opens on Saturday, September 20 and runs until October 5. The event takes place in the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district, specifically at Theresienwiese, a large open space covering 42 hectares. Here, visitors find numerous tents set up to welcome both guests and local beer producers.

The origins of Oktoberfest date back to October 12, 1810. On that day, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join the celebrations held just outside the city gates. The festivities included food, music, and plenty of beer. The event was so successful that it was decided to repeat it every year. Over time, this gathering evolved into what is now known as Oktoberfest, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Oktoberfest is not just about drinking beer; it is also about tradition and quality. Only beers brewed within Munich’s city limits can be served at the festival. These beers must comply with the Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s strict beer purity law that allows only hops, barley or wheat, and water as ingredients. Six breweries meet these requirements: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu München, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. One of the most popular styles served is Märzenbier, a type of lager brewed in March and stored until the start of Oktoberfest in September. This year, a liter of beer at the festival costs between 12 and 15 euros.

Visitors to Oktoberfest should be prepared for large crowds and long lines to enter the tents. Each tent can accommodate between 3,000 and 10,000 people and offers a lively atmosphere with music and entertainment. Beer is served in one-liter mugs known as “Mass.” Alongside the beer, guests can enjoy traditional Bavarian foods such as sausages (wurst) and Leberkäse, a type of Bavarian meatloaf.

Oktoberfest has become an important part of Munich’s cultural identity and a major tourist attraction for Germany. The event brings together locals and tourists for two weeks of celebration centered around beer, food, music, and Bavarian traditions. Despite its international fame and large scale today, Oktoberfest remains rooted in its original purpose: bringing people together to celebrate community and heritage.