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Oktoberfest Turns 211: A Look Back at the World's Largest Beer Festival

From a one-time royal celebration to a global phenomenon, Oktoberfest's 211-year journey is a testament to Bavarian culture and the world's love for beer.

In this image there is a beer bottle with the labels on the wooden path.
In this image there is a beer bottle with the labels on the wooden path.

Oktoberfest Turns 211: A Look Back at the World's Largest Beer Festival

Oktoberfest, the world's largest and most famous beer festival, is celebrating its 211th anniversary this year. Although the names of the couple who sparked this tradition are lost to history, the first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to mark the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Over two centuries later, Oktoberfest continues to draw millions of visitors from across the globe to Munich, Germany. The city's archives hold a treasure trove of photographs capturing the festival's rich history and evolution. The event, which began as a one-time celebration, has since become an annual affair, lasting 16 to 18 days, typically from late September to the first weekend in October.

Oktoberfest remains a beloved tradition, attracting millions of visitors each year. From its humble beginnings as a royal wedding celebration, it has grown into a global phenomenon, showcasing Bavarian culture, tradition, and, of course, beer.

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