History

Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates. The event was such a success that it became an annual tradition. Over the decades it grew from a simple horse race into the world's largest folk festival, attracting over 6 million visitors every year from across the globe.

💡 Fun Fact

The fields where Oktoberfest is held are still named Theresienwiese — Therese's meadow — after Princess Therese. Locals simply call it the Wiesn.