Oktoberfest is an event that is celebrated for 16 days, in Munich Germany. The festival runs from late September to early October, and is usually attended by up to 6 million people. Oktoberfest has become widely popular, and is also celebrated in many other countries worldwide. The Munich Oktoberfest runs from the sixteen days up to, and including the first Sunday in October. The schedule had to be changed however, due to German reunification, so if the first Sunday in October happens to fall on the 1st or 2nd, the festival will continue until the 3rd, which is German Unity Day.
 Oktoberfest originated as a horse race, held to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. By the year 1819, the race had been replaced by beer carts and a very carnival like atmosphere. At this time, the leaders of Munich decided that the festival would be held every year. Although Oktoberfest began as a one day event, people decided to extend it to the full 16 days to enjoy the drinking and carousing. Since the origin of the holiday, there have only been a few things that have interrupted the celebration; cholera epidemics, war and financial difficulty.
 During Oktoberfest, the fairgrounds of “Theresenweise” are transformed into a spectacle of beer tents, performers, food vendors, and numerous rides. Tradition states that on the first day, the Mayor of Munich opens the festivities at noon, by driving a wooden tap into a barrel of beer and yelling O’zapft is”, translated means, “it’s tapped!” On the first Sunday of the festival, the Costumer and Rifleman’s procession is held. There are about 7000 people who participate in this event, wearing traditional costumes and historical uniforms. This group includes marching bands, livestock, floats, carriages, riflemen and thoroughbred horses. Guests to this event can expect a veritable wonderland of rides, food, performers and so much more.
 Food is an important part of Oktoberfest, and there is no shortage of it to be had. Almost anywhere on the fairgrounds, a visitor will be able to find Hendl, which are whole roasted chickens on a spit. They are usually split in two and shared. A variation on this would be a spit roasted goose, or duck. Roasted pork is also commonly paired with potato dumplings and red cabbage, and served with a special apple dish called Blaukohl. Roasted ox tails, grilled pork knuckles, and white veal sausages are served up alongside sauerkraut and sweet mustard. With every meal, you can expect to have a pretzel or some sort of bread roll.
 The music at Oktoberfest is usually traditional folk music, with an occasional “hit” such as “YMCA”, “Country Road”, or “New York New York” slipped in. Most of the music you will find however is German beer drinking songs played heartily by a brass band. Oktoberfest is a hugely important part of Bavarian culture, and it is more than the beer, food and entertainment that draws the crowds. It is the chance to be a part of an event with a rich history. Oktoberfest has been going strong for the past 200 years, and it shows no signs of fading out.