People have flocked to Germany to participate in the world's largest annual celebration for nearly 200 years. But in addition to the Oktoberfest in the Bavarian capital of Munich where the tradition began, Oktoberfest is celebrated in cities and towns worldwide. There is most likely one in a neighborhood near you!

Oktoberfest all began with Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, who was later crowned King Ludwig I. He wanted his subjects to share in the celebration of his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. He organized a horse race and invited the residents of the city of Munich. The royal party hosted more than 40,000 guests, a huge number, but not nearly as impressive as the 6.4 million who attended Munich's Oktoberfest in 1997. Eventually the horse race portion was abandoned, but many of the characteristics of the early Oktoberfest have remained. Munich's annual celebration is still held on the original site, called Theresienwiese (Theresa's fields) in front of the city gates. Today's Oktober fest in Munich now sports giant brewery sponsored beer halls that can hold up to 5,000 people a piece. It is now a 16 day extravaganza and always ends on the first Sunday in October.

Cancelled occasionally in times of war or cholera outbreak, the festival opens with a grand parade featuring traditional dancers and costumed performers, and, of course, beer! Among the thousands of Oktoberfests held in America today, Cincinnati, Ohio is said to hold the largest authentic Oktoberfest with over 500,000 people attending. Whether it's a small local beer tent or or an enormous celebration, don your dirndl or simply an Edelweiss necklace, and join the fun! 2010 Oktoberfest dates are September 18th through October 3rd and 2011 the dates are September 17th through October 2nd. Looking out to 2012, Oktoberfest falls only in September, beginning September 15th and ending September 30th. Mark your calendars and in the meantime, browse through our always expanding selection of authentic German Oktoberfest apparel. Don't see your size or the exact piece you want? Contact us, we probably have it in our shop in Middleburg and we'd be happy to help you prepare for the fun!