Cora Anderson, Sophomore
This year, the highly anticipated and widely celebrated Oktoberfest, has been canceled. This celebration, taking place in Munich Germany, has not occurred for the past two years due to Covid-19 concerns. Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer and wine festival including live music and food. It has been celebrated for over 200 years and became an annual event. Although there have been progress with vaccinations, according to the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, "The risk is simply too huge that people here could become infected with the Corona virus..." While the event cannot officially take place, many local German restaurants and pubs are taking it upon themselves to keep the tradition alive. Wirtshauswiesn is what they are calling this new Covid-19 abiding version of the beer festival. The businesses that are planning on participating have decorated their location in the style of the famous tents usually put up for Oktoberfest and the traditional music will be played as well. The seasonal beer will be served and the traditional outfits worn in past years will also make an appearance. This alternative event started on September 13th and will end October 3rd.
While this festival is opening up the opportunity for a close replica of Oktoberfest to take place, many people are not able to travel and attend due to Covid-19 restrictions. This is why an online tour of the Wirtshauswiesn festival has been set up to take place live and allow more people to experience the event from their homes. This tour costs 15 euros for a 75 minute tour. These tours feature experienced guides showing you behind the scenes of the festival with extra historical facts and stories. Many topics will be covered, from the planning of the event, to the traditions like music and parades. After starting a few days ago, the event is bringing some more normalcy to Munich, Germany, but Covid-19 procedures are still expected to remain in place throughout Wirshauwiesn. In order to participate in the festivities, one must be recovered from Covid-19, vaccinated, or tested and negative for the virus. Just like last year, the festival grounds that are usually utilized as a space for Oktoberfest will be used as a Covid-19 test center, but this year there will be no alcohol ban. So this opens up the opportunity for vendors to sell beverages and food to attendees and then the attendees can go celebrate in a large open area.
Another alternative to traveling to Germany or tuning into the live-streamed tour, is going to a smaller Oktoberfest celebration. Many different remakes of the festival take place all around North America, the largest one being in Addison, Texas. The five places where one can go are Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, and the Kitchener/Waterloo Oktoberfest. These locations offer a less authentic, but very enjoyable and similar experience.
By next year, Oktoberfest is expected to be in full swing again. Although these alternatives are the best options for the current situation, the people of Germany are missing the original festival. According to the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, "If someone doesn't want to be tested or vaccinated, then they won't be able to go to the Oktoberfest in 2022". This means initiative is being taken to ensure Oktoberfest can be successful next year. But for now, the alternative festivals and celebrations are keeping Munich, Germany and the many people around the world happy and entertained.
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