When was the Oktoberfest first started?

Answer 1

It may be called "Oktoberfest," but the big event starts in September. It all began with a wedding-in October 1810. On the 12th day of October that year, Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) wed Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and held a big party near Munich (München). It was so popular, that the party (complete with horse racing) took place again the following year, prompting the start of a traditional German celebration that has become world famous. Other than for interruptions caused by war or disease, Oktoberfest has been celebrated every year since 1811. The massive Bavarian Volksfest begins each year on a Saturday in September and ends 16-18 days later (usually) on the first Sunday in October. (For 2006 the dates are September 16 to October 3 - 18 days. 2007: Sept. 22 - Oct. 7 - 16 days.) Because October 3 is a national holiday in Germany, Oktoberfest is extended if Unity Day falls after the first Sunday in October, making Oktoberfest vary from 16 to 18 days in length.