Oktoberfest is an annual beer festival held in Munich, Germany that attracts over 6 million people each year. It began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, and has been held annually ever since except for 24 times when it was cancelled. The festival features 14 large beer tents each representing a different brewery, traditional German food, and starts with an opening ceremony and parade through the city on October 18th before the mayor taps the first keg to open the festival.

1. OktoberfestBy Gordon Fraser

2. FactsOktoberfest is held in Munich, Germany.Oktoberfest is an annual event.It attracts over 6 million people each year.The largest beer festival in the world.

3. HistoryThe first Oktoberfest was in Munich, Bavaria and was held on October 18th 1810.It was held as a commemoration of the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Thereses.In 1819 the citizens of Munich decide that they would make the festival annual.In 1835 they added a parade to honour King Ludwig and Therese wedding.Since 1810 the festival has been cancelled 24 times.

4. What is it like.Up until 6 P.M the beer tents play music under 85 decibels, After 6 they will start playing louder.There is many traditional food eaten at Oktoberfest these include Pretzels, Sauerkraut, Roast pork, Grilled fish on a stick, cheese noodles and Weisswurst.There is 14 main tents at the fair, Each of these tents represent a different brewery and serve different beer.The biggest of these tents is the Hofbrau-Feztzelf, It can seat almost 11,000 people.

5. CeremonyOktoberfest starts with an elaborate ceremony.It starts at 11 am with a parade filled with floats pulled my horses.They travel through the Schwanthalerstrasse and come to Theresienwiese.Then at 12 PM the mayor of Munich taps the first keg in the Schottenhamel tent.After the first keg is tapped then the other tents are aloud to start serving beer.

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