Why do you even celebrate the Oktoberfest?

On October 17th 1810, a part of the multiday celebration of the wedding of crown prince Ludwig and Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen was publicly held before the gates of Munich. A horse race attracted 40000 spectators, who were so enthusiastic, that the race was established as a yearly event at this very spot, which would then be called “Theresens Wiese” (Therese’s Meadow) in honor of the bride. Read more about the very first Oktoberfest.