As the leaves begin to turn here in the northeast and we brace ourselves for fall and winter, Germany is preparing for a celebration of exceptional proportions- Oktoberfest! 

The original festival began in 1810 in celebration of a Bavarian royal wedding. The entire city of Munich celebrated the wedding with various activities, including concerts, parties, balls, and even a horse race.  Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated with a 16-day festival that begins in September and continues into October. These events attracts an estimated 6 million people a year, featuring carnivals and beer – of course!