What it’s best to find out about celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich

Oktoberfest is a worldwide phenomenon, a Bavarian beer festival celebrated in countries across the globe.

But many say that nowhere is it more fun than in its original home of Munich. The festival attracts about six people Millions of revelers yearlysays a festival website from the Munich Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs.

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

The dress code for a lot of is the normal Bavarian dirndl for ladies and lederhosen for men. In stark contrast to other parts of the world, you won't be accused of cultural misappropriation here – actually, locals invite international visitors to decorate up in traditional costumes.

These outfits can be found to suit every budget, from inexpensive one-time wear costumes to Vintage and tailored clothing Rentals.

A couple of things to consider: “Lederhosen” is the plural, so lederhosen are only leather pants. These are Bavarian-style outfits, not German, as many travelers consider. If you travel north, you won't see them – except at Oktoberfest, after all.

Beer isn’t served in mugs, as many consider, but in so-called “masses”, i.e. one liter of beer. Servers carry as much as six weights weighing roughly 12 kilograms (26 kilos) in each hand. Servers receive a percentage of the beer and food they serve, plus suggestions. So please tip well.

To get their attention, waiters carry a clothespin with their name on it, but in addition reply to the relaxed salutation “du” – meaning “you.” — in German.

Revelers hold the mixture by the handle in order that they can easily toast and drink with toast. When the band shouts: “A cheers, a cheers to cosiness. Oans, zwoa, driel g'suffa!” – which translates to “A toast, a toast to fun and kindness. One, two, three, drink up!” means. — Jesters are expected to complete their glasses and reorder.

At other times they practice “swaying” by linking their arms and swaying to the music.

Women: If you wear a dirndl, watch out where you tie your bow. Ties on the left traditionally mean that you just are single and open to flirting. Married women and ladies in relationships tie the bow on the fitting. Waitresses tied her behind her back.

Oktoberfest is all about beer, which is brewed specifically for the event and is sort of strong (over 6%). There can also be wine, apple spritzer (a drink created from carbonated water and apple juice), non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and water.

Everywhere on the Oktoberfest there are countless food stalls that serve huge pretzels, called pretzels, meats akin to bratwurst, white sausage and schnitzel in addition to fries, curries and way more.

Just just a few minutes' walk from the Theresienwiese, where the festival takes place, travelers can visit the Sendlinger Tor, a former city gate, and the Viktualienmarkt, an attractive market.

Nearby can also be the historic old town, where the previous royal castle, the Residenz, the world-famous Hofbräuhaus and the are situated Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.

For a day trip out of the town, the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle is a 90-minute drive from Munich. Salzburg in Austria is lower than two hours away by train – an attractive city, as is the picture-perfect town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber north of Munich.

After all that beer, it’s also possible to consider a soothing day within the snow-capped Alps at Lake Starnberg.

If you may't make it to Munich, you don't should worry. There are unbelievable festivals everywhere in the world where you may experience tradition, fun, foods and drinks.

One of the biggest celebrations takes place in Hong Kong, where the entire festival's sights will be seen and there are also views of Hong Kong Harbor.

A significant festival is going down within the United States Cincinnati, Ohioand in South America Blumenau, Brazil.

If you don't feel like crowds, you may try one other annual German celebration – the spring festival. It takes place at the identical location, Munich's Theresienwiese, but has fewer tents and will be just as fun in some ways.