Guten Tag! The onset of fall brings with it many fun and exciting events, one of which is the Oktoberfest celebration. Throughout the year, beer lovers from all over the world await this lively München celebration. In honor of the 16-day merriment, here are five facts about the legendary drinking festival that are worth toasting to.
1. Oktoberfest does not start in October. Contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest actually begins in the end of September. This is done to take advantage of the end of summer and warm weather.
2. An estimated 7 million liters of beer, 32 thousand liters of sparkling wine, 80 thousand liters of wine, 220 liters of tea/coffee and 1 million liters of water and lemonade will be consumed in Munich over the course of the 2015 München celebration.
3. The beer served in Munich during Oktoberfest is brewed specifically for the celebration. It contains an average of 7-8% alcohol content (compared to American beer, which is generally around 5%). This often causes unsuspecting visitors to pass out from the alcohol and be referred to as "Bierleichen" which means "beer corpse" in German.
5. You don't have to go all the way to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest! There are large and lively Oktoberfest ceremonies taking place all over New York this season. Hunter Mountain in Hunter, NY hosts a popular Oktoberfest festival from September 26-October 18; the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest goes from September 13-October 25, among many others!
Oktoberfest is a ceremony that brings millions of people together every single year over a common purpose: beer. So no matter where you are celebrating from this season, prost!
