O’zapft is!…
…Visiting Oktoberfest and what to consider.
Germany is commonly underrated as a travel destination. However, if you would ask Non-Germans what they define as “typically German”, most of them would surely say “Oktoberfest!”. Oktoberfest is the largest Volksfest (beer festival and fun fair) in the world. It is held annually in Munich, a city in Bavaria, Germany. Oktoberfest, or how locals call it d’Wiesn (the meadow), is a very important part of Bavarian culture. People would dress up in their traditional costumes and go with their friends, family or work colleagues to the fair, have a beer and a good time. However, there are a few things to consider when visiting. So, grab yourself a Bier and a Bretzel and get started with your trip to Germany!
The Clothing
The traditional costumes are a very important part of Bavarian culture. Not only on Oktoberfest but also for weddings, family gatherings or hunting trips — people would wear their Dirndl or Lederhosen to special occasions. Sometimes, parents or grandparents would pass their traditional costumes to their children and grandchildren and especially for Dirndl, women can pay a fortune. The traditional outfits are valued very highly and play a huge role in the culture.
Do’s: Foreigners are very welcome to wear a traditional costume. They are purchasable all over Bavarian cities or on the Internet and the price range starts at 30€ for a decent dress, however, the sky’s the limit. Additionally, Germans really appreciate foreigners adapting to this tradition when visiting Oktoberfest and it is more likely to be invited to a table for a beer or two by locals when dressing appropriately. So, give it a shot!
Don’ts: When it comes to culture, it is not very advisable to make fun of it — especially not in the country itself. So, please, leave the foam hats and bunny ears at home. Similarly, it is not a good idea for a man to dress up in a Dirndl. Which might be common ground abroad for Halloween or Carnival, it is seen as offensive in Germany. Unless you identify yourself as a woman, it is seen as making fun of tradition. However, it is okay for women to dress up in Lederhosen for practical reasons. It’s not fair but these are the rules.
The Beer
If it wouldn’t be for the fun, it would be for the beer. Averagely, around 7.7 million litres of beer are consumed on Oktoberfest. It is served in huge glasses called Maß (measure) which are filled with exactly one litre of beer. There is the opportunity to purchase a halbes Maß (0,5 litres) as well as a Maß (1 litre). The beer is brewed by special breweries within the city limits of Munich and has to follow the Reinheitsgebot (purity law) which states that beer may only be brewed from wheat, hops and water. Beer is the main attraction on Oktoberfest, so it’s highly recommendable to try some.
Do’s: Oktoberfest is about beer and having a good time with friends. So, grab yourself a Maß, dance on the benches (not on the table!) and make some friends in the tent. But be careful, German beer is a lot stronger than beer abroad, it does not take as much to get drunk. Drink slowly and eat heartily, this way you will have a better day and less a headache on the next.
Don’ts: Getting tipsy is part of the festival. But some visitors take it too far. It is not appreciated when drunk people start to misbehave. Passing out in front of a tent? No. Joining fights? No! Being rude or — God forbid — touching the beer maidens? A big no! The staff will have no issue kicking you out of the tent. Always remember, people want to have fun, not trouble.
The nasty little details
Oktoberfest is not just a fair, it is a social gathering. This means there are some unspoken rules and social premises to consider. Did you know that there is a connection between your social status and the tent you sit in at Oktoberfest? Did you know that the side you wear your dirndl’s bow says something about whether you are in a relationship, single or a virgin? No?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to!
But always remember and this is the best advice you can get when travelling into a foreign country: Watch how locals behave and, in need, ask them. There may be some rules or expected behaviour you don’t know (and let’s be honest, can’t know) of as a foreigner. Therefore, it is very easy to step on someone’s foot. But the universal etiquette of politeness is always a good start. Even in Germany. ;-)
