Munich - Oktoberfest 2009

Hello all,

Here are some photos from our recent visit to the 2009 Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
We've been attending this festival every year for the last 14 years. This is a highlight of the year for us!

The original "Oktoberfest" occurred in Munich on October 18, 1810. It was held for the commemoration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

This celebration, was initially held in the month of October, however, it was moved up one month to September, in order to enjoy better weather during the festivities.

Oktoberfest lasts approximately 16 days and starts the 3rd Saturday of September. Approximately 6 million visitors arrive for the festivities throughout a three week period. They come from all over the world to consume large amounts of beer and champagne and to sing and dance, some on tabletops.

In the last few years, we've noticed that more and more tourists are embracing the tradition of wearing the "Dirndle" and the "Lederhosen" to join in the celebrations. These are the traditional leather pants and dresses like the ones we are styling in the pictures. We have found, that it's much more festive when you dress the part.

Our favorite tent is the ''Kaefer'', which means ladybug because it has outdoor benches that allow us to sit outside when the weather is nice. At the Kaefer tent, we like to eat the traditional German fare and drink delicious German beer or champagne.

If you plan to attend, it is best to book hotels a year ahead, as it tends to fill up rather quickly. We stay in a lovely pension in Schwabing near the University called ''Pension Siegestor''. Monika, the manager, is lovely and the place is centrally located, near the English Gardens.

Hope you enjoy the photos!
Prost!

Story and photos, by Kayra Martinez (FRASW)