It’s been quite some time since I was able to contribute to the blog, but I find myself finally able to. Jeremy has asked me to do a post on the Odd History of Oktoberfest. This should be a fun one, because what can get more odd than a bunch of Germans getting together, drinking beer, and listening to polka? Believe it or not, it can get more odd. (I can say this. I am of German heritage.)
According to records, the first Oktoberfest celebration took place October 18, 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxon-Hildburghausen. (Say that five times really fast.) The citizens of Munich (where the celebration is held each year) were invited to the party where a military horse race was the main feature. Horse races are no longer held at Oktoberfest.
Some of the earlier traditions of Oktoberfest that are no longer in practice included tree climbing, goose chasing, and “mush eating.” Also featured at the festival were wheel barrow and sack races, along with barrel rolling races. One can only imagine what the combination of beer and beer barrel rolling races resulted in. Also, Oktoberfest claims to be the first festival in the world to feature mechanical rides. Carousels and swings were the first rides to debut at the celebration.
One of the more modern traditions is for the German Red Cross to operate an aid facility that provides emergency medical care on the festival grounds for those that succumb to, well…too much beer.
One of the tents, called the “Armbrustschutzenzelt”, features crossbow shooting competitions. The term “Armbrustschutzenzelt” (sorry, I just had to retype that because it’s fun) literally translates to “Crossbow Shooters Tent.” Imagine that. Personally, I’m still trying to figure out how safe large quantities of beer, and loaded crossbows really is…odd.
Known for its’ darker, higher alcohol content beer, Oktoberfest also features many wines. As you celebrate Oktoberfest this year, consider designing your own custom wine bottle labels at PrintMyThing.com.
O’zapft is!
