Oktoberfest Beyond the Beer: Traditions You Didn’t Know Existed
When most people think of Oktoberfest, one image springs to mind: overflowing beer steins in massive tents filled with laughing tourists in Dirndls and Lederhosen. But for those who’ve experienced the Wiesn firsthand – or who grew up with it – Oktoberfest is far more than a drinking holiday. It’s a living tradition, deeply rooted in Bavarian culture and German identity.
From historical parades and brass bands to family rides and royal beginnings, the world’s largest Volksfest offers layers of meaning and heritage that most guidebooks skip. This article is your full cultural guide to Oktoberfest – what lies beneath the beer foam – and an introduction to a five-part series exploring its lesser-known dimensions.
Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a public celebration of the marriage between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Munich’s citizens were invited to fields (now called the Theresienwiese) for five days of horse races, dancing, and feasting.
Over two centuries later, the beer tents are just one component of a celebration that still retains strong links to history, community, and identity:
Cultural processions and traditional costume parades
Bavarian folk music performed live
Carnival rides and games for families
Artisan food stalls, handicrafts, and regional specialties
1. The Parade: More Than Just Pageantry
One of the lesser-known highlights of Oktoberfest is its grand opening weekend parade – the Trachten- und Schützenzug (Costume and Riflemen’s Parade). Stretching through Munich’s old town, it features over 9,000 participants, including:
Historical reenactors in traditional outfits
Riflemen guilds and town bands
Highlanders, farmers, and mounted police
Giant regional flags, banners, and flower-covered wagons
This isn’t just a show for tourists. It’s a showcase of Germany’s diverse regional traditions and a proud act of intergenerational cultural preservation.
2. Dirndls and Lederhosen: Why People Still Wear Them
What began as peasant clothing has become a symbol of pride. Traditional Bavarian dress – known as Tracht – has seen a huge resurgence thanks to Oktoberfest. But it’s not just costume cosplay:
The infectious rhythm of brass bands is the heartbeat of Oktoberfest. But what seems like background noise to tourists is a cherished ritual for locals:
Each tent has its own house band, some with decades of tradition
Setlists blend folk music, polkas, waltzes, and even classic rock covers
Songs like Ein Prosit create unity and prompt synchronized toasts
Music dictates the mood – mellow at midday, rowdy by evening – and keeps the cultural tone distinct from a typical beer festival.
Oktoberfest isn’t just for beer lovers. Every Tuesday is Family Day, where rides, food, and game booths offer discounts for children and parents. Local families treat it as a beloved tradition:
Rides like the Teufelsrad (Devil’s Wheel) and historic carousel
Gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds, and non-alcoholic beer
Puppet shows, candy stalls, and clown parades
Entire generations return year after year, reliving memories and passing down stories.
5. The History of Oktoberfest: More Than Munich
While today’s Oktoberfest draws over six million visitors annually, it was never meant to become a global beer extravaganza. The original festival honored royal civic unity – and its evolution tracks Germany’s journey through:
Industrialization
Two World Wars
Reunification and modern tourism
It’s now a cultural export, with Oktoberfests celebrated worldwide – from Brazil to Brisbane – but the heart remains in Munich, anchored by tradition.
Shared beer benches, singing together, multi-generational fun
Order
Security, cleanliness, and well-organized tent logistics
Craftsmanship
Quality beer, handmade Tracht, artisan food
Celebration
Balance of reverence, pride, and joyful participation
Practical Tips for Visitors Who Want More Than Beer
Visit midweek to avoid party crowds and appreciate traditions
Watch the parades – arrive early and find a good spot near Odeonsplatz
Go during the day for a calmer, more authentic feel
Engage with locals – ask about their outfits, music, or where they grew up
Respect the etiquette – know the lyrics to Ein Prosit, toast with eye contact, don’t stand on benches
Oktoberfest is a cultural time capsule – updated for a modern world, yet proudly grounded in Bavarian identity. Beneath the buzz of beer and brass lies a rich tapestry of heritage, social codes, and heartfelt community.
So yes, raise your stein – but don’t forget to raise your cultural awareness too.
