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Posted by: Howard Sep 17 2006, 12:53 PM

How come Oktoberfest is in September?

Posted by: bmunday Sep 17 2006, 12:57 PM

Why is Oktoberfest in September?

The answer goes back to 1810 during the dark days of beer drinking before refridgeration.

In those days in Germany beer would never be brewed in the summer months. The batches would never turn out good.

The last batches were usually made in March. These last batches would have higher alcohol content to take advantage of alcohol as a preservative.

Traditionally there would be a big fest starting on the last Saturday in September till the First Sunday in October. The purpose was to drink up the old stocks of beer to make room for the new brew that would be make after harvest. The tradition goes back to the 15th and 16th Centuries.

The first official Oktoberfest was held in 1810. Crown Prince Ludwig threw a big party to celebrate his wedding to Princess Therese on October 12, 1810. The party was open to all. Everyone liked it so much they kept having the party every year.

Posted by: Howard Sep 17 2006, 01:01 PM

OK, HoBoy, good stuff. But there are two more Saturdays left in September. Can't Germans hold their beer?

Posted by: SirAndy Sep 17 2006, 01:01 PM

it's not ...

it *starts* in september and goes well into october ...
http://www.oktoberfest.de/



Translation:

"Because of the long duration and the usual cold october weather, since 1872 the Oktoberfest starts already in september. Opening day is always a saturday. The Fest traditionally always ends on the first Sunday in October."

Andy

Posted by: bmunday Sep 17 2006, 01:06 PM

HoBoy??? careful there Captain Prune Juice...

Posted by: Lou W Sep 17 2006, 01:14 PM

Because Oktoberfest sounds better than Septemberfest. Next question...

Posted by: JPB Sep 17 2006, 01:52 PM

Okto eight, bre , fest

"Brewski, brewski, schnel ,schnel"