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Oktoberfest


Picture of an Oompa Band at an Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest was held in October, 1810 when the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The original festivities included beer, music and a horse race. The horse races were held in subsequent years, and in 1896, the first beer halls and tents were erected. Today, the Munich Oktoberfest is known throughout the world and it attracts millions of visitors each year.

In North America, many cities and towns hold Oktoberfests featuring German food, music and of course, plenty of beer.

A variety of German food is served at Oktoberfests, the most common being sausages, including knackwurst and bratwurst, schnitzels, German potato salad, sauerkraut, potato pancakes and apple strudel.

Music and Dancing are an integral part of any Oktoberfest. Traditional Oompa Bands play Polkas and Waltzes, and the dance floors are filled with dancers whose skills range from beginner to professional. The Chicken Dance, a humorous combination of arm flapping and clapping is popular with both children and adults, and the music is often interspersed with the famous drinking chant "Ein Prosit".

Many of those who attend Oktoberfests wear traditional Bavarian clothes. Women dress in full dirndl skirts and lacy blouses and men wear short leather pants called lederhosen, suspenders, knee socks and green felt hats.

Below is a listing of some of the Oktoberfests held in North America. Click on name of any city to visit a Website about the event. If you plan to attend an event, please check with the event's sponsor in advance in case of error, date change or cancellation.

Canada

USA




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