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Oktoberfest Trivia
By Paula Green
Many people get excited for fall because it brings Oktoberfest. This well-known beer festival actually began as a wedding party. The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebration lasted nearly a week, from October 12 to 17, and ended with a lively horse race. The couple liked it so much that they made it a yearly event.
More than 200 years later, people are still celebrating Oktoberfest. Over the years, the festival got longer, and in 1872, organizers moved the start date to September to enjoy more daylight and better weather.
Today, Oktoberfest lasts for 16 days. It begins on a Saturday in mid or late September and ends on the first Sunday in October. It’s the world’s largest festival, attracting over 6 million visitors from around the world each year. About 7.5 million liters of beer are served. All the beer at the festival is brewed in Munich and comes in 1-liter mugs.
Since 1950, Oktoberfest has kicked off with a traditional twelve-gun salute. At noon, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer and calls out “O’zapft is!” which means “It’s tapped!” Thomas Wimmer was the first mayor to begin this tradition.
Oktoberfest is also a family-welcoming event. During the day, lots of families bring their kids to enjoy the Bavarian festivities. More than 80 carnival rides, like roller coasters and Ferris wheels, are on site. Visitors can also watch a parade with regional costumes, horse-drawn beer wagons, traditional music and dancing, and plenty of food stalls. In Germany, you have to be 16 to drink beer and 18 for liquor. It is vital to note that Oktoberfest only takes cash.
If you can’t make it to Munich for the world’s biggest party, don’t worry. More than 150 Oktoberfest celebrations take place in the USA and Canada, from New York to Seattle. The biggest one in the United States is Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. Other large Oktoberfests take place in Frankenmuth, Michigan; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Helen, Georgia; Leavenworth, Washington; and Denver, Colorado.
Now that we've brewed up some Oktoberfest facts, it's time to dive into this spirit-filled query. Get set to don those Tyrolese hats because it’s time to get a little trivial.
1. What giant, twisted, salty baked good is a crowd-favorite snack at this German festival?
2. The German word “prost” is often said before drinking beer at Oktoberfest. What does it mean?
3. Which National Lampoon Vacation film contained an Oktoberfest scene?
4. In 2006, this American socialite and hotel chain heiress was permanently banned from Munich’s Oktoberfest for promoting a canned wine product.
5. The traditional women’s Oktoberfest dress is a dirndl. What does it mean if she ties the apron bow of the dirndl on the left side?
6. “The hills are alive” in Vermont! An Oktoberfest celebration is held in the northern part of the state at this family lodge.
7. Men wear leather shorts called lederhosen. What do they wear to hold them in place?
8. In 1984, the Kuffler’s Weinzelt tent was added to the Oktoberfest. It is for those folks who don’t want to drink beer. What type of alcoholic beverage is served there?
9. What popular American novelty dance performed in circles is a staple tune played in the beer tents?
10. This flower is a traditional Bavarian symbol often seen on clothing and hats.
11. What material are traditional Oktoberfest beer mugs primarily made from today?
12. Which type of cabbage dish is commonly served with sausages and meats at Oktoberfest?
13. Name the thin, breaded meat cutlet that is a favorite on many Oktoberfest menus.
14. What is the name of the traditional German brass band music commonly played at Oktoberfest?
15. This unique dog race is held annually at Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
Answers: 1. pretzel 2. cheers 3. European Vacation 4. Paris Hilton 5. she is single 6. Trapp Family Lodge (owned by the von Trapp family) 7. suspenders 8. wine and champagne 9. The Chicken Dance (Der Ententanz) 10. Edelweiss 11. glass 12. Sauerkraut 13. Schnitzel 14. Oompah music 15. Running of the Wieners
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