What to know about celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich

Oktoberfest is a worldwide phenomenon, a Bavarian beer festival celebrated in countries around the world.

But many say that there is nothing more pleasant than in the original house of Munich. The festival attracts approximately six million people each year, according to the festival website operated by Munich’s Department of Labor and Economics.

As a non-Bavarian German, I visit Munich often and have learned quite a bit about attending the festival, known as “Wiesn.” Here is my advice.

The dress code for many is the traditional Bavarian dirndl, for women, and lederhosen, for men. In stark contrast to other parts of the world, you won’t be accused of cultural abuse here – in fact, locals welcome international visitors in traditional costumes.

These clothes are available on any budget, from cheap costumes to vintage and bespoke clothing hire.

A few things to note: Lederhosen is plural, so a pair of leather pants is just lederhose. This is a Bavarian style outfit, not German as many travelers believe. Travel north, and you won’t see it – except for Oktoberfest, of course.

Beer is not served in steins, as many believe, but in glasses called “massa,” which is one liter of beer. The server carried up to six masses in each hand, weighing about 12 kilograms (26 pounds). Servers are paid a percentage of the beer and food they serve, plus tips. So good tips, please.

To attract attention, the server wears a clip with his name, but also answers to the casual ‘du’ address – which means “you” — in German.

Revelers hold the mass by the handle so they can easily clink glasses and drink to toasts. When the band calls out: “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. Oans, zwoa, driel g’suffa!” – which translates to “Toast, toast to fun and friendliness. One, two, three, drink!” – Merrymakers are expected to finish glasses and reorders.

Other times, they practice “Schunkeln,” linking arms and swaying to the music.

Women: if you wear a dirndl, watch where you tie the bow. A tie on the traditional right means you are single and open to flirting.

Oktoberfest is all about beer, which is specially made for the occasion and is quite strong (more than 6%). But there is also wine, Apfelschorle (a drink made from carbonated water and apple juice), non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and water.

Throughout the Wiesn, there are various food stalls, serving large pretzels, called brezen, meats like bratwurst, weisswurst and schnitzel, plus fries, curries and more.

Within easy walking distance of Theresienwiese – which means “Therese’s Meadow,” where the festival takes place – travelers can visit Sendlinger Tor, the former city gate, and Viktualienmarkt, a beautiful market.

The historic old town is also nearby, home to the former royal residence, the Residenz Palace, the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, and the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.

For a day trip from the city, Neuschwanstein Castle is a jaw-dropping 90 minute drive from Munich. Salzburg, in Austria, is less than two hours by train – a beautiful city, as is the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, north of Munich.

After all the beer, a relaxing day among the snow-capped Alps at Lake Starnberg might be worth considering.

Those who can’t make it to Munich, don’t worry. There are incredible festivals around the world to experience the traditions, fun, and food and drink.

One of the biggest celebrations is in Hong Kong. Marco Polo German Bierfest has all the attractions of a festival, plus views of Hong Kong Harbour.

In the United States, a large festival is held in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in South America in Blumenau, Brazil.

Those who don’t like crowds can try another annual German celebration – the Spring Festival. It was held in the same place, Munich’s Theresienwiese, but with fewer tents, and in many ways it was just as fun.