Watching the Oktoberfest Parade in Munich, Germany Millions of people attend Oktoberfest every year. They come from all over the world to take part in the two-week festival that includes bottomless glasses of beer, food, and a carnival atmosphere reminiscent of a state fair in the United States. In fact, it exceeded my expectations of what a parade could be. The parade is the official start of Oktoberfest. When the parade ends at the Oktoberfest fairgrounds, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg at the Schottenhamel Beer Tent and cries out, "O'zapt is" (“it is open”). History of Oktoberfest Parade When Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in October of 1810, he invited Munich’s inhabitants to celebrate in front of the city gates. This celebration was also the date of the first Oktoberfest parade. The first fully-costumed parade took place in 1835 as a celebration of the 25th wedding anniversary of the King and Princess. Since 1950, it has been a key event at Oktoberfest. Traditionally, Oktoberfest occurs the second to last Saturday in September and concludes the first Sunday in October after German Reunification Day (also known as German Unity Day). Parade of the Wiesn Landlords The Oktoberfest parade (or “Parade of the Wiesn Landlords”) occurs on the first Saturday of the festival. It starts on the Josephspitalstraße and terminates at the Oktoberfest fairgrounds. Over 8,000 people from all over Germany and Europe dress in traditional costumes and march in the parade. The Müncher Kindle, the Munich city mascot, who is usually a young girl born in Munich and whose parents and grandparents were also born there, leads the parade. Best Spot for Viewing the Parade While standing along the parade route is best, there are grandstands located along the parade route. However, there’s limited seating, so if you feel you need it, reserving a spot beforehand for 35 euros is recommended. But it is easy to find an optimal spot to view the parade if you get there early. You might even be able to have breakfast before it begins. Munich weather in September is unpredictable, so bring an umbrella or rain jacket with a sweater. What to Watch for During the Oktoberfest Parade Participants in the parade line-up early to march in the over three-hour-long event. The first half-hour features sponsors of the Oktoberfest, such as Munich city officials, administrators, and ministers. Flag bearers and rifle bearers from all over Europe also participate. Marchers may stop for a minute or two along the route, especially the horn groups to play a tune. The best part is the horse-drawn Munich brewery wagons for Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Augustiner, Lowenbrau, Hofbrau, and Spaten. Oktoberfest Beer Tents The entrance to the Oktoberfest grounds is free. Once inside, you’ll see several “Beer Tents,” which is a bit of a misnomer. They are large buildings that can hold 3,500 people or more who sit at long wooden tables to eat and drink. Admission is free to the 17 large and 21 small tents, but for groups, a reservation is suggested. The Munich breweries supply their Oktoberfest beers weeks in advance. Dirndl-and-lederhosen-clad waitstaff with arms wrapped around eight one-liter beer glasses deliver them to the tables. For food, the breweries serve roasted chicken. If you want a pretzel to accompany your meals, they are available from random sellers for a few euros. Carnival Atmosphere After you’ve had your fill of beer and pretzels at the tents, you should spend some time on the festival grounds and, if you haven’t had too much to drink, hop on some rides, which cost one euro or are free. However, if you prefer something low key, the Ferris wheel is a great way to see the fairgrounds from above and take in views of Munich. Conclusion Munich’s Oktoberfest is a special event. Some visitors return the following year or at another point. However, everyone should take the time to attend Oktoberfest at least once, even if you don’t drink beer and come for just the parade