The Influence of the Oktoberfest in Catalyzing Opportunities

Oktoberfest, locally known as “Wiesn,” has been part of German culture since 1810. With every iteration, the festival has gotten bigger and better, pouring in 5-7 million people annually. Beerfest brings in a lot of new opportunities and boosts the economy. It opens the door to tourism, creates jobs, and promotes local culture and products in Germany and around the globe.

Oktoberfest’s Influence on Germany

Oktoberfest has played an integral part in influencing Germany in multifold ways.

1. Boosting Local Tourism

Munich transforms into a global village annually, from mid-September to the first weekend in October. The city welcomes a whooping number of visitors from worldwide. This massive turnout of tourists substantially uplifts the local economy, particularly the tourism sector. Sightseeing the Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber contributes significantly to the local economy.

The festival's popularity has extended the tourism season in Munich, providing a steady flow of income to local businesses. It is noted that during the Oktoberfest, the population of Munich increases five times during the two weeks.

2. Job Creation

With the arrival of Oktoberfest, many job opportunities are created. The hotels in Munich and nearby towns run at a hundred percent occupancy. A great number of jobs are created, with over 8,000 permanent vacancies and 5,000 temporary jobs. Oktoberfest demands new placements for waiters, musicians, chefs, traders, stewards, hotel staff, technicians, or security personnel.

Many young and old people work at Oktoberfest as Volunteers every year. They are provided with vouchers to use at Oktoberfest for their services. To apply for volunteering, a process is carried out to ensure the person applying is eligible for the job.

3. Boosting Local Culture

Wisen provides a great opportunity for locals and foreigners to familiarize themselves with German heritage. Everything Beerfest promotes is German, from beer, food, and drinks to the dress code, including the traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen. 6.5 million liters of beer are consumed at Oktoberfest, which is all locally brewed in Munich by the Big Six breweries.

Around 90% of the food served is local cuisine. In 2019, director Wiesnchef Clemens Baumgärtner said the tourists alone ate 72 oxen and 25 calves during the festival's first week. The attendees rooming in the fest are wearing the traditional German trachten dresses-lederhosen for men and dirndls for women. The Bavarian attires are also taken back home by the visitors as souvenirs along with the beer steins, contributing to the local economy.

4. Influencing the Economy

Oktoberfest is organized by the city’s Department of Labour and Economic Affairs (RAW). This massive event generates an estimated €1.2 billion annually, contributing up to 2% of Munich’s GDP. Much income comes from the hospitality and tourism industry and the festival.

The Impact of Oktoberfest Globally

Oktoberfest is celebrated with equal enthusiasm in other parts of the world. U.S.A., China, Australia, Canada, and China are popular venues with their own Wiesn renditions, which has positively impacted them.

1. Contributing to Charity

Through Oktoberfest, some of the generated income is used to support charities. Sometimes, the proceeds from the event are used to support non-profit organizations or donate to local charities. This contributes to the local economy and supports communities in need. The Oktoberfest Care is one such committee founded by Kitchener Waterloo organizers supporting multiple charities throughout the year.

2. Connecting Expats to their Roots

Over the years, people have left their homeland and moved to new countries for better opportunities. Wiesn has been a source of connecting German expats to their roots by celebrating it in any corner of the world. La Crosse and Cincinnati are among the biggest Oktoberfest venues in the U.S.A. Many attendees in both the Oktoberfest celebrations are expats or those with German roots.

Wrapping Up!

Oktoberfest, a festival born out of a royal wedding celebration in Munich, has evolved into a global event with unusual impact locally and internationally. It continues to bring opportunities to Munich and other cities worldwide. It boosts tourism, creates jobs, and even contributes to charitable causes. It is one of the biggest events contributing to a global economic phenomenon.

FAQs

How many days is Oktoberfest celebrated around the world?

Oktoberfest spans from a day to a week or over the weekend, depending on the event's organizer.

Why is Oktoberfest in September?

The weather in October is usually already chilly, and the days are significantly shorter. This led to Oktoberfest starting in September," according to Wiesn's website. Since 1872, its held on the first Saturday after September 15 until the first Sunday in October.