Oktoberfest 2007

For two whole weeks, from September 22nd until October 7th, the world-famous Oktoberfest will once again take centre stage in Munich, Germany. Not only is it the world's largest beer festival, it is also the world's largest funfair, with at least six million visitors every year.

For those of you who don't know, Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, after whom the festival's main ground, Theresienweise, is named.

A fine mix of cultural diversity (or at least different types of the jolly brew!) and tradition, millions of litres of beer are poured during these two weeks, washing down over six million bratwursts (not all by the same person, of course!). A mountain of other Bavarian delicacies are consumed during the festival, in addition to many other wonderful events and games.

The festival starts with the “Entrance of the Landlords” and a visit from the current Mayor of Munich, who taps a keg of beer and declares “O'zapft is” (“it's tapped” in Bavarian dialect). The landlords of the local Bierkneipen arrive in cars specially adorned with flowers for the occasion, bringing with them barrels of the good stuff. A traditional parade also takes place, featuring men in Lederhosen and riflemen.

All this and more, along with traditional Bavarian music and food, make Oktoberfest a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read more about Munich at www.oneplanettravel.com