Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a public celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria’s wedding to Princess Therese, featuring horse races, music and feasting that united Bavarians and established a new local tradition. 

The first Oktoberfest proved so popular among Munich’s citizens that they clamored for an encore the very next year. This time, however, Bavarian farmers took over and used the occasion to showcase the region’s bounty—hops, wheat, barley, cereals, fruits and vegetables—boosting both pride and the local economy. “Bavaria is a very agrarian place, even more so at that time,” says Robert Terrell, associate professor of history.

Today, Oktoberfest draws millions to Munich’s Theresienwiese, where beer from six traditional breweries—still brewed under the centuries-old purity law—remains central to the festivities. 

While this regulation predates Oktoberfest itself, says Terrell, the popularity of Märzen helped shape the festival’s identity. “The demand for that style of beer created an excitement around the event that can still be felt today.”

Read more in the HISTORY article, “What Are the Origins of Oktoberfest?”