Oktoberfest is a long standing tradition in Munich, Germany - they have been celebrating for almost 200 years. The first Oktoberfest wasn’t a festival like it is now, it was a wedding! The reception featured a horse race, beer, food, music and dancing! The anniversary celebrations continued every year, and now, the Oktoberfest festival is the largest festival in the world! Over five million people travel to Theresienwiese to celebrate this 16 day festival every year. Theresienwiese, meaning Theressa’s meadow, is the Oktoberfest location outside of Munich, named after the bride in the wedding almost 200 years ago! Hans loves to see all the visitors to his country, and this year, he is excited to meet up with Niklas and Heidi – his friends from Switzerland!

Hans’ family goes to Oktoberfest on Tuesday – because that is family day! They usually wait to go the first Tuesday in October, but sometimes, Oktoberfest is over by then! Now, Oktoberfest actually takes place mostly in September – ending the first Sunday in October. The Bavarian autumns can be unpredictable with early cold and snow. While the main attraction for many adults at Oktoberfest are the beer tents, Hans and the other children are able to enjoy the circus, roller coasters, parades and most of all, the live bands. Hans loves the music surrounding Oktoberfest. The Oom pah pah polka music is so lively, and the unique instruments, like the accordion, are fun to watch! Hans, his brother Clemens, Niklas and Heidi can’t help but get up and dance.

The only thing better than the music at Oktoberfest is the food! Clemens, Hans’ older brother, loves the bratwurst, or sausage, with sauerkraut. Hans’ favorite part of any meal is dessert, and the apple strudel, a pastry, at Oktoberfest is the best.