Oktoberfest shifted to September during the early 1900s due to the longer days and warmer weather. Another reason for this shift was the beer ordinance, which stated that fresh beer could only be produced from April to September. Moving Oktoberfest to September favored the serving of fresh Marzen beer. So, while the name is still “Oktoberfest”, it starts in September and ends in October.
Why is it called Oktoberfest when it is in September?
Oktoberfest began as a royal wedding celebration in October 1810, and the festival was named accordingly due to its month of occurrence. Later, the festival was moved to September, but the name remained the same due to its historical link.
Why was Oktoberfest Moved to September?
Oktoberfest in Germany slowly made its way to September after 1872. Especially in the 1890s, the fest was consistently held in late September. However, it was in 1911 when the fest was officially announced to be held in September every year. Oktoberfest 1911 was held from 23rd September to 8 October. Here are the reasons for moving Oktoberfest to September:
Suitable Munich Weather in September
The desire for better weather primarily drove the decision to move Oktoberfest to September. Munich can be unpredictable, with cooler average temperatures between 5℃ (lowest) and 19 ℃ in October with higher rain chances. This chilly weather is not suitable for overcrowded outdoor festivals. In contrast, September usually brings warmer and more consistent weather than October in Munich. By shifting the festival to September, the Munich administration aimed to take advantage of these more favorable conditions, ensuring attendees could enjoy the event in a more comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.
Extended Daylight and Duration for Festival
Shifting Oktoberfest to September also benefits from extended daylight hours. Munich enjoys longer daylight, having an average duration of 13 hours in September compared to 11 hours in October, allowing more time to explore and enjoy the festival each day. This extra daylight helps maximize the festival experience, giving visitors more time to participate in activities and enjoy the atmosphere. While initially only the 5-7 day fest, it extended to a 14-16 day event after the 1870s when it was moved to September for the first time.
Cold Fresh Brewed Beer
Oktoberfest also moved to September to make the serving of fresh Marzen beer convenient. In 1553, Bavaria passed a beer ordinance that restricted brewing to the months between April and September. Brewers made their last batches in late summer, which meant September offered the freshest beer of the year. This timing aligned perfectly with Oktoberfest.
Fun Fact: Fred W. Wolf invented the first domestic and commercial electric refrigerator in 1913. This innovation made the storage of previously brewed beers convenient, keeping them fresh for long.
Harvest Season Celebration
During the earlier years, the Theresienwiese (fairgrounds) were farmland. The farmers were supposed to complete their second hay harvest and clear the fields for the new grain during October. This was quite difficult when the Oktoberfest was also supposed to happen during the same month. So, it moved to September which favored the harvest season.
The First Oktoberfest Held in September
The Oktoberfest was delayed for a few weeks on a number of occasions, like in 1832, because of a Greek delegation's visit. However, for the first time, Oktoberfest was held in late September 1872. The festival was a major hit as it was held after a brief break between 1870 and 1871 due to the Franco-Prussian War. Bavarians enjoyed the cold beer for the first time in summer, and the longer days served as a cherry on top. This set up the stage for Oktoberfest in September.
Fun Fact: The famous Schottenhamel ran out of dark lager beer due to the unexpected consumption of the Wiesn guests!
When does Oktoberfest Start and End?
Oktoberfest starts on the first Saturday after the 15th of September and runs for about 16 to 18 days. The fest ends on the first Sunday of October. It begins with a grand annual parade of traditionally dressed up brass bands and locals. The second event is the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg by the mayor of Munich. Visitors enjoy the various events, attractions, and traditional Bavarian festivities throughout for more than two weeks. The exact dates may differ each year, but the general timeframe remains consistent.
Summary
Oktoberfest moved from October to September due to the longer days, warm weather, beer rules, and harvest season. The beer festival began in September in the 1900s, and organizers soon realized that the time was more favorable, given the large number of attendees. Wearing a Bavarian tracht, drinking cool beer, and joining the party fun all made more sense during September.
FAQs
Is Oktoberfest actually in October?
Oktoberfest begins in September and lasts till early October. So, the festival is in September but the end extends till October.
When did Oktoberfest move to September?
During the early 1900s, Oktoberfest was moved to September to take advantage of the warmer season and longer days.
How many days is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a 16 to 18-day festival. It begins on the third Saturday of September and ends on the first Sunday of October.