1800s |

Oktoberfest Begins - 10/12/1810

On October 12, 1810, Bavarian Crown Prince Louis who was later known as King Louis I of Bavaria tied the knot with Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event was graced with the presence of the citizens of Munich who were invited by the Bavarian royalty to join the celebration. 

The festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates were concluded with horse races, done in the presence of the royal family. These events happened all across Bavaria and celebrated in varying forms. The fields were later named Theresienwiese or “Therese’s fields” in honor to the crown princess. The name was abbreviated by the locals and fondly called these as “Wies’n” instead.

The festivities were repeated in the following years and this gave birth to the Oktoberfest tradition. Today, this is being celebrated from late September through the first Sunday of October where alcohol consumption has become a big part of it.

In fact, it is estimated that more than one million gallons of beer is consumed yearly during Oktoberfest celebrations.

Share On Facebook

Mark Hinderberg

Writer

Retired History Professor at Vanderbilt University. Love taking a portal through time and sharing my knowledge with anyone else who loves reading about history. It is my passion and my greatest hobby.