Oktoberfest

History:

Kronpinz Ludwig, later King Ludwig l married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the royal event. The fields were named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's Meadow") in honor of the Crown Princess, and have kept that name ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wiesn". Horse races, in the tradition of the 15th-century Scharlachrennen (Scarlet Race at Karlstor), were held on 18 October to honor the newlyweds. It is widely understood that Andreas Michael Dall'Armi, a Major in the National Guard, proposed the idea. However, the origins of the horse races, and Oktoberfest itself, may have stemmed from proposals offered by Franz Baumgartner, a coachman and Sergeant in the National Guard. The precise origins of the festival and horse races remain a matter of controversy, however, the decision to repeat the horse races, spectacle, and celebrations in 1811 launched what is now the annual Oktoberfest tradition.

The fairground, once outside the city, was chosen due to its natural suitability. The Sendlinger Hill (today Theresienhohe) was used as a grandstand for 40,000 race spectators. The festival grounds remained undeveloped except for the king's tent. The tastings of "Traiteurs" and other wine and beer took place above the visitors in the stands on the hill. Before the race started, a performance was held in homage of the bridegroom and of the royal family in the form of a train of 16 pairs of children dressed in Wittelsbach costumes, and costumes from the then nine Bavarian townships and other regions. This was followed by the punishing race with 30 horses on a 11,200-foot (3,400 meters) long racetrack, and concluded with the singing of a student choir. The first horse to cross the finish line belonged to Franz Baumgartner (one of the purported festival initiators). Horse racing champion and Minister of State, Maximilian Graf von Montgelas, presented Baumgartner with his gold medal.

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Fun Activities at the Oktoberfest:

Costume Contest

The traditional attire for Oktoberfest is lederhosen for men, and dirndl dresses for women. Ask guests to come dressed in appropriate attire, and offer a prize to the one who looks the best. The prize could be something small, such as a pair of beer mug suspenders, or beer glasses.

Yodeling Contest

Yodeling is an art form that Germans have been mastering for years. A great way to get guests in the spirit of Oktoberfest is to have them try out their yodeling skills. Offer a small prize to the contestant that offers the loudest, longest, and most authentic sounding yodel.

Beer Stein Race

A bear stain race is a great way to get guests on their feet. Fill a beer stein with beer for guests, and have them run to the finish line. At the end of the race, whoever has the most beer is the winner.

Polka Dance Off

 Polka music should be playing at any Oktoberfest party, but having a dance off ensures that guests actually get up and dance. Blast the music and have a couple judges in place to ensure the dancers stick with authentic dance moves to match the music. Tapping contestants should let them know they are out of the contest, and the one left standing is the winner. Including the chicken dance as part of the contest in the beginning is a great way to get people out of their chairs.

Beer Tasting Contest

A beer-tasting contest incorporates the true spirit of Oktoberfest. The various flavors of different styles of German beer make it tough, even for a self-proclaimed expert to tell them apart. Using common beers that most local pubs serve makes a fair game for anyone to participate, but for the group of know-it-alls at the party, use less popular brands in the German beer stain.

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Beers: 

Only beer conforming to the Reinheitsgebot, and brewed within the city limits of Munich, can be served at the Munich Oktoberfest.

Beers meeting these criteria are designated Oktoberfest beer.

I chose this festival because attract me the festivals in Europa, also i like the history of Germany and his culture.