Oktoberfest begins Sep 16, 2023

Oktoberfest begins

Welcome to Oktoberfest, the world"s biggest beer festival, held each year in the German city of Munich. Dating back all the way to 1810, it began with the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig, later Ludwig I of Bavaria, and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The celebrations took place on the fields in front of the city gates, which were named Theresienwiese, or Theresa"s Meadow, in honor of the bride. The festivities lasted for five days, filled with exciting activities such as parades and horse races. It was so popular that Oktoberfest became an annual event that now draws more than 6 million people. This year"s festival starts today and lasts 18 days. Beyond Munich, it has become a popular celebration in multiple countries, and cities inside and outside of Germany imitate the festival and cherish its German traditions.

© Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Sep 16, 2018Mexico celebrates its Independence Day
Sep 16, 2019The mighty, mighty mushroom
Sep 16, 2020It s Independence Day in Mexico
Sep 16, 2021A cry for independence
Sep 16, 2022Puma in Patagonia
Sep 16, 2024Wallabies at sunrise, Australia
Sep 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov 14, 2019The perfect canvas for an ancient text
Feb 17, 2023Great Backyard Bird Count
Jun 28, 2021A medieval celebration in the Mediterranean
May 18, 2023International Museum Day
Apr 10, 2025Siblings Day
Oct 26, 2022Brocken spectre in Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria
May 14, 2024Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
Dec 7, 2024National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Jul 5, 2025Tour de France begins
Oct 22, 2018We did not invent this, honest
Apr 15, 2024World Art Day
Aug 26, 2026Auroras over Kirkjufell, Iceland
Jun 21, 2020Grab onto the handlebars, kid
Apr 30, 2022International Jazz Day
Nov 23, 2022Fibonacci Day
May 22, 2021Blue paradise on the Costa Brava
Dec 4, 2020Protecting wildlife today and tomorrow
Nov 2, 202275th anniversary of the Spruce Goose
Jul 17, 2020Let s face it: It s World Emoji Day
Jan 21, 2025Squirrel Appreciation Day
May 20, 2023World Bee Day
Dec 5, 2024Tufa formations in Mono Lake, California
May 5, 2023Cinco de Mayo
Oct 23, 2024Madame Sherri Forest, New Hampshire
Aug 6, 2024Molokini Crater, Maui, Hawaii
Dec 3, 2023Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
Mar 27, 2025World Theater Day
Jan 28, 2025Short-eared owl
Nov 4, 2021Diwali
May 2, 2026Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada