This postcard, from Oktoberfest 1896, might seem like ancient history itself, but the festival had actually been going on for almost a century when 1896 rolled around!
Oktoberfest officially begins with a parade on the first morning of the festival. It's known in German as Einzug der Festwirte.
There's no shortage of music at Oktoberfest, especially when it comes to traditional Bavarian music--like this brass band.
Despite the focus on beer, Oktoberfest is a pretty family-friendly event. Roller coasters and other carnival rides are everywhere during the fest.
In the early days of the fest, patrons might drink hundreds of thousands of liters of beer. These days, those numbers are in the millions!
Oktoberfest is home to several gigantic beer halls. This photo of the Munich Hofbrau-Haus was taken in 1903.
This photo was taken only a year after the first Oktoberfest--which is now over 100 years ago itself!
People don't just go to Oktoberfest for the beer. There is plenty of delicious, traditional food to be had too!
These days, Oktoberfest brings in an estimated six million people each year, making it a crucial part of the local economy.
It goes without saying that Oktoberfest is jam packed. Be ready to wait for your mug, and God help you if you need to find a table!
Despite the fest's international reputation, it's mostly locals that attend. Less than 20% of visitors come from outside Germany.
When it comes to Oktoberfest, everyone dresses in traditional, Bavarian garb--even the horses!
When it comes to the beer served at Oktoberfest, it's a very selective process. Only beers brewed in Munich are allowed to be sold, and even then it's not a sure bet that your brew will make the cut.
A little bad weather won't stop Oktoberfest--but war and cholera will. The fest has been canceled 24 times in its two-century run, mostly because of conflict or disease.
According to tradition, the fest can't begin until the mayor of Munich offers a mug to the Minister-President of Bavaria. In this 2004 photo, the mayor (right) and Minister-President (left) pose with their wives and mugs.
There's plenty of traditional dancing going on at Oktoberfest--including the Schuhplattler pictured here. Good luck trying it drunk!
You'll want to keep an eye on your kids at Oktoberfest, but if they do give you the slip, there's a lost children tent to help reunite you. Something tells me that they're experts at this by now.
Oktoberfest is nothing but tradition from start to end. The firing of rifles marks the official end of the fest--but that's not counting all the after parties!
It's not unusual to see people overindulge and get a little crazy during Oktoberfest. An estimated 500 people develop alcohol poisoning here each year, but that's not half bad for a crowd in the millions.
Hope you like accordion music, because it's a staple at Oktoberfest.
