| The Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is the largest | | | | ambience: |
| beer festival in the world. The legendary event attracts | | | | German beer - Look for stores that carry beer |
| 6 million people from around the world and attracts | | | | brewed according to Oktoberfest standards. These |
| attention from global media. The event lasts for 16 | | | | strict standards are called Reinheitsgebot and follow |
| days during which visitors gobble classic German food | | | | disciplines in place since 1516 |
| such as sauerkraut, sausage, asparagus and grilled | | | | Beer Mugs - preferably made from thick glass and |
| chicken, but at the center of attention is what | | | | with a steady handle. A traditional German beer mug |
| Germany is known for: beer served in over-sized beer | | | | should hold 1 liter (33 ounces) but you can also maintain |
| mugs like there was no tomorrow. | | | | a smaller selection for the guests less inclined to drink |
| Over 1.5 million gallons of beer (or 5.7 million liters) is | | | | a whole liter |
| poured, drank and celebrated over in large classic | | | | Pork Sausage - Insist on German quality sausage |
| German beer mugs. Sizes of 1 liter and above are not | | | | and avoid the Italian type breakfast sausage that is |
| uncommon. The traditional image Americans have of | | | | common in America. The Italian sausage has a |
| Oktoberfest is Germans in "lederhosen" (leather pants) | | | | sweeter taste, while the German sausage is heavier |
| cheerfully swinging away on their beers to the sound | | | | and has a spicier tone. |
| of happy German marching bands.The Oktoberfest is | | | | Grilled Chicken, Potato dumplings, Potato Salad, |
| not only one of the country's largest, but also one of its | | | | Sauerkraut and pretzels. |
| most profitable tourist attractions. | | | | Desert is usually glazed European style |
| Several other countries and states here in the USA | | | | gingerbread or ice cream. |
| are recreating the beer-loving event by starting their | | | | Many German families here in the United States invite |
| own Oktoberfest. Beer fest and beer culture made | | | | friends and family for the weekend and turn the event |
| popular through recent Hollywood movies have | | | | into a large sleep-over. The beer and the food are |
| increased the myth and legend around Oktoberfest. | | | | central. Loud music is essential and German folk-music |
| Many Americans have picked up on the tradition and | | | | combined with traditional hits from the 80's, 90's and |
| are inviting friends and family to | | | | the 00's are fully compatible with your own |
| Oktoberfest-weekends - a weeklong event running | | | | Oktoberfest. |
| parallel with the Munich festival and a celebration of | | | | The one-liter beer mug and other forms of beer mugs |
| beer and German culture. The festival starts in | | | | can be found at major retailers and through online |
| September, a decision that was taken to allow for | | | | sources. Engraving the beer mug to commemorate |
| better climate, and ends the first Sunday in October. | | | | the event is a great way to solidify your Oktoberfest |
| To have your own authentic Oktoberfest at home you | | | | as a yearly party-staple. |
| will need the following items for a true German | | | | |