:: Germany > ARTS & CULTURE > Festivals Festivals Munich's Oktoberfest The first Oktoberfest took place to 1810 to celebrate the marriage of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig I and the Saxon Princess Therese. Today, the Oktoberfest - or "Wies'n" - is the largest public festival in the World. The 16-day event starts end of September and is attended by around 6 million visitors, who drink more than 5 million liters of beer and consume over 200,000 pairs of pork sausages - mostly in the "beer tents" put up by the traditional Munich breweries. The extensive Theresienwiese fairgrounds also provide carousels and roller coasters. Numerous brass bands - all wearing traditional costumes such as lederhosen and dirndls - provide the musical background. Carnival in Germany The Rhenish Carnival (or "Fasching") dates back to 1823. The cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz are strongholds of carnival celebrations. Traditionally, the "fifth season" is declared open at 11 minutes past eleven on the 11th of November! It culminates in the "three crazy days" in February, taking place from "Weiberfastnacht", the day on which women take control of the cities to "Karnevalsdienstag" (Shrove Tuesday). Highlight of the street carnival is "Rosenmontag" (Rose Monday) when the Rhenish cities get truely crazy and millions of spectators line the streets to watch the official parades of the numerous carnival associations. Tons of sweets, chocolate bars and bunches of flowers are being distributed to the crowd. Carnival ends the next day, on "Aschermittwoch" (Ash Wednesday). Berlinale The annual film festival in Berlin is a major European film festival, no less important than the film festivals in Venice and Cannes. The "Golden Berlin Bear" and many honorary awards are much sought-after. Classical Music and Opera Festivals There are numerous classical music festivals in Germany every year, especially during the summer months. Here are some of the world's top annual events: Bach Festival Leipzig Experience Johann Sebastian Bach's works at authentic locations. Takes place in May and June. Bayreuther Festspiele The annual Wagner Opera Festival has been held for more then 120 years now in the famous Bayreuth Festival Theatre (built in 1872). It takes place end of July and always lasts for 30 days. Tickets are expensive and it might take years to get them (although foreigners need not wait so long). One must apply in writing on a special application form: Kartenbüro der Bayreuther Festspiele, Postfach 100262, D-95402 Bayreuth. For enquiries phone: 0949 (0)921 78780 (Monday to Friday 11:00 - 12:00). Munich Opera Festival Praised Opera performances with top international artists at the Bavarian State Opera. Takes place in June and July. Rheingau Music Festival This Music Festival offers in excess of 100 events and an opportunity to enjoy the excellent wines and culinary specialities of the region. Venues including the impressive Romanesque Eberbach Abbey and a variety of historical churches, romantic castles and palaces.
						Bavarian waitresses on the Oktoberfest carry up to 22 liters of beer at a time
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