Oktoberfest

:For the Oktoberfest style of beer, see Märzen

History

The first Oktoberfest, held from October 12–October 17, 1810 in Munich, was to celebrate the occasion of the wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen, and was ended with a horse race.

Related Topics:
October 12 - October 17 - 1810 - Munich - Wedding - Ludwig I of Bavaria - Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen - Horse race

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Because of its success, it was repeated annually, later also with an agricultural fair, dance, music and amusement rides. The celebration had to be cancelled 24 times due to war, disease or other problems. Horse races ended in 1960.

Related Topics:
Agricultural - Dance - Music - Amusement ride - War - Disease - 1960

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Ironically, the modern Oktoberfest runs mostly during the month of September. The dates were changed to take advantage of better summer weather which made the fair even more popular. Largely due to coincidence, the festival now ends on or near October 3, which became the German national holiday in the early 1990s.

Related Topics:
September - October 3 - German national holiday - 1990s

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On September 26, 1980, a bomb explosion near the entrance killed 13 visitors and injured 200 more. The bomb had been placed by a 21-year-old Neo-Nazi who died at the scene.

Related Topics:
September 26 - 1980 - Bomb - Explosion - Neo-Nazi

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