Munich Therese Meadow - Octoberfest

(Local Name: München Theresienwiese - Oktoberfest) Oktoberfest

Extending from the foot of the Bavaria statue is the Theresienwiese (Therese Meadow) where, on October 17, 1810, horse races were held in celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, later King Ludwig I, to Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It was these celebrations which gave rise to Munich's famous Oktoberfest, the biggest popular festival in the world, taking place every autumn.

In 1811 the horseracing was augmented by an agricultural show. Then in 1818 swings and rides made their appearance for the first time. From 1820 onwards numerous other attractions were added, including show booths, merry-go-rounds, troupes of performing artists and the so-called "anatomical wonder". On September 26, 1980 a terrorist bomb claimed 12 lives (memorial at entrance).

In terms of both the area covered and the number of visitors (about six million) the Munich Oktoberfest, held annually on the Theresienwiese (or "Wies'n" for short) at the end of September/beginning of October, ranks as the biggest and best-known popular festival anywhere in the world. Preparations start months in advance with the erection of huge marquees and other facilities. Year after year a host of attractions - a fun-for-all show and great variety of pleasure booths, traditional swings and roundabouts, hurtling roller-coasters and breathtaking fairground rides, prove totally irresistible to foreigners and locals alike, irrespective of age-group. Swept along by the crowd they try their hand at everything, collecting in the process all manner of odd "trophies" and other curiosities. Amidst much merriment they have their fortunes told and enjoy the lights, the bustle and the noise. There is no opportunity to go hungry and even less to go thirsty, with traditional Hendl and Steckerlfische (grilled chicken and fish) in plentiful supply. Every year sees the establishment of a new Hendl-eating record!

One million broiled chickens and pork sausages, 60 roasted oxen and tons of fish, würsts and ham hocks are served during this 16-day event.

The Octoberfest also includes an agricultural fair every three years, an annual costume and markmen's parade, a folk festival and other amusements. But the events are usually a secondary reason for coming to this festival and pale in comparison to the number of food stalls.