MAD ABOUT HOFBRÄUHAUS — MAD ABOUT MANHATTAN

Guten Morgan!

Of course, one cannot visit Munich without checking out the original Hofbräuhaus.
Little did I know, this place is deeply rooted in history! I thought that this beerhall and the celebration of Oktoberfest were similar to that of a Hallmark Holiday, more for consumer enjoyment. False! After taking a phenomenal walking tour of Munich, I learned that the rich history of the Hofbräuhaus goes back more than four centuries. Duke Wilhelm V established this beer hall in 1589, in order to satisfy his "thirsty and demanding household". Keep reading for some staggering history…

Dark History

What people are not aware of is that this hall has some dark roots in history. The bottom floor is cheery, tourists, busy tables full of happy talking people while the Oompah band plays old drinking songs. While everyone is downstairs partying, the upstairs Festsaal (Festival Hall) remains almost forgotten, and empty. It was here where Hitler and the National Socialists held their very first meeting in February 1920. Hitler presented the Nazi Party ‘Twenty Five Point Program’ and where he publicly denounced the Jews and gave his infamous “Why We Are Antisemites” Speech. After the founding of the Nazi party in this room, Hitler and his followers would return every year after to celebrate. I had the opportunity to walk inside and visit this room pictured below, and I can promise you-I felt an eery presence. There is definitely a weight that one feels when entering, and there are strict rules in Germany about participating in anything regarding this time period and in particular, tourists loitering in this room.

Oktoberfest

I also learned on my Munich walking tour that Oktoberfest began on October 12, 1810 with the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, who later became King Ludwig I. His marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen was celebrated heavily in Bavaria. Months to a year after their marriage, many of the people of Bavaria sent letters to the King asking for another celebration and festival, as they desire to have that much fun again. King Ludwig I happily obliged and thus, the famous tradition of Oktoberfest took off! I find this origin extremely cool and worth knowing when traveling for this specific time. I love that there is a festival simply celebrating the people of Munich and the history of Bavaria.

Oktoberfest is actually held in September because the weather is more enjoyable than October. The fest lasts 16 days, beginning on a Saturday in September and ending on the first Sunday in October. The traditional garb to be worn during this time is lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. This was fashioned in 1887. Traditionally in Munich, Oktoberfest begins with a parade, ending at the oldest most important tent at the fest, the Schottenhammel tent, where the mayor opens the first keg of beer and the celebration begins! It boggles my mind that more than 7,000,000 people attend the opening ceremonies.

Wow! Or shall I say, Prost! (Cheers)