Origins of Oktoberfest

The annual GermanFest is scheduled this weekend in Roberts Cove. I visited the festival many years ago and really enjoyed it. The food, the activities, the music and dancing, etc. I may have to make a visit this Saturday to Roberts Cove. Since many years ago, I’m sure they have added many other events and activites to this fun festival.
The following, courtesy of Newspaper Metro, reminded me of our own nearby German festival. I found this article interesting, and I hope you do also.
The origins of Oktoberfest:
Although Oktoberfest originated in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest celebrations now take place all over the globe. They are a chance to enjoy the early autumn weather with music, food, entertainment and, of course, German beer.
Oktoberfest is a 16-day folk festival that begins at the end of September and runs through the first week of October. Roughly six million people travel to Germany each year to participate in the official Oktoberfest, while many others attend festivities closer to home. While many people are familiar with the foods, beverages and pageantry of Oktoberfest, they may not be so sure of Oktoberfest’s origins.
According to History.com, the first Oktoberfest took place on October 12, 1810, when Bavarian Crown Prince Louis, later to be known as King Louis I of Bavaria, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
The citizens of Munich were invited, and the festivities were held on the fields in front of the city gates. Horse races took place and eventually concluded the festivities, both at the city gates and elsewhere across Bavaria.
The festival and horse races were held once again the following year, giving rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest. To increase the potential for fun and take advantage of longer days, the event was expanded from one day to a few weeks, stretching through September and into October.
The tradition-rich horse race no longer takes place and hasn’t for more than 50 years. But the festive atmosphere still prevails. Huge tents are erected to accommodate the large crowds.
Since 1950, the traditional festival opening has been a twelve-gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 by the Mayor of Munich with the cry “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”).
Millions of people participate in Oktoberfest celebrations. An abundance of food and millions of liters of beer are available to enhance the fun.