Oktoberfest
The grand daddy of the big Wedding Parties, the Oktoberfest commemorates the honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810. The festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17th with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September to allow for better weather conditions. Because September nights were warmer, visitors were able to enjoy the gardens outside the tents and the stroll over the fields much longer without feeling chilly.
The festivities for 2006 are scheduled from September 16 - October 3. The giant celebration has a parade all its own, too - the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade. The parade will fall on September 19th in 2006. Teh monthlong festival also includes other festivals such as the parade of the Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the official Tapping of the Keg, the Oktoberfest Mass, „Böllerschießen“ (handheld canon salute) in front of the Bavaria statue. More information all about Bavaria's biggest bash is to be found at Oktoberfest.