Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MASS HYSTERIA
The world's largest drink-a-thon, the traditional highlight of Bavaria's annual events calen-
der, is one of the best-known fairs on earth, aped the world over from Prague to Palestine.
No other event manages to mix such a level of crimson-faced humour, drunken debauchery,
excessive consumption of alcohol, and public peeing (known as
wildes Bieseln
in German)
with so much tradition, history and oompah music.
As early as mid-July the brewery crews move in to start erecting the tents which almost
fill the Theresienwiese, a gravelly open space in the western reaches of Munich city centre
known locally as the Wiesn. When the canvas is taut, the space-age technology is in place
to deliver millions of litres of beer to the taps, the Ferris wheel is ready to roll and tens of
thousands of chickens are rotating on grills, the Wiesn is ready to welcome the 6.5 million
people who arrive annually to toast Germany's 'city of beer'.
During the 16 days of festivities, most travellers dip in for a few days or perhaps a week,
taking time off from the
Mass
(the towering 1L mugs of beer) to see Munich's sights and
perhaps a castle or two. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to book everything up to a year
in advance. And if you can't make it for Oktoberfest, fear not. Throughout the summer and
autumn the region hosts countless other fests, often with more traditional, less commercial
atmospheres (and cheaper beer). Erding and Straubing (
Click here
)
have particularly good
events.
