Octoberfest Behind the Bierleichen

Octoberfest began in 1810 in Munich, Bavaria. It was a fest to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig, crowned as Ludwig I King of Bavaria at some point; it was held on the fields before the city's gates, named by the locals Theresa's Meadow, after the Prince's betrothed. The fest lasted several days and closed with a series of horse races. These races were held again the following year and thus Octoberfest began.