History of Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Germany, that celebrates Bavarian culture and traditions. Dating back to 1810, Oktoberfest has become the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival and traveling funfair) and is held annually, lasting 16-18 days, beginning in late September and running through the first weekend in October.
Canceled Years
Despite its long and storied history, there have been a few years when Oktoberfest was canceled. Notable examples include:
1873 Cholera Outbreak
One of the few instances where Oktoberfest was canceled was in 1873, due to a cholera outbreak in the city. The authorities felt it was necessary to cancel the event in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
1914-1918 and 1939-1945 World Wars
During both World War I and World War II, Oktoberfest was canceled for a total of 14 years. The grounds where the festival is held were used as military training grounds during the war, making it impossible to hold the event. During the war, many of the buildings that were used for Oktoberfest were destroyed, further preventing the festival from being held.
1923 and 1924 Hyperinflation and Political Unrest
Oktoberfest was also canceled in 1923 and 1924 due to hyperinflation and political unrest in Germany. The economic instability and political turmoil made it difficult to organize and hold the festival during this time.
1946-1948 Post-War Recovery
In the aftermath of World War II, Munich was left devastated, and the city had to focus on rebuilding and recovering. Consequently, Oktoberfest was not held during the years 1946-1948 as the city worked to restore itself after the war.
2020 COVID-19 Pandemic
The most recent cancellation of Oktoberfest occurred in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The German government and organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the event in order to prioritize public health and safety. It was the first time in over 70 years that the festival was canceled.
Conclusion
Despite these cancellations, Oktoberfest has proven to be a resilient and enduring tradition, with millions of visitors from around the world attending the event each year. The festival continues to be a celebration of culture, tradition, and of course, beer. While cancellations have been rare, each instance has been a reflection of the unique challenges faced during that time, whether due to disease, war, or economic instability. As Oktoberfest looks to the future, it remains a symbol of perseverance and a celebration of Bavarian heritage.
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