810. (1). Five days after the wedding, on October the seventeenth, a festival that included horse races, was held in front of one of Munich's several gates (1). Everyone was invited to the celebration, and it was such a success, that the festivities were continued each year (1). This celebration with horse racing continued until 1938 when the horse races were stopped; yet the festivities still continued (1). The tradition today commemorates this wedding, while incorporating a number of different traditions. Now, Oktoberfest is a time for not only Germans, but other cultures as well, to come and enjoy the food, drinks, and music. This festival is sometimes called, "the largest festival in the world," and begins in mid September and runs through early October due to the chilly Bavarian October wind blowing from the Alps (Loewen 14). The opening day ceremonies begin at eleven o'clock in the morning with a parade that has elaborate floats, beer bands, and men and women dressed up in traditional costumes (Reichmann 1). Yet, this festival is only one of the many festivals of Germany. Just about every town in Germany holds a festival in the spring or summer. Fasching is one of these festivals which dates back to ancient times (Loewen 15). Early Germans wore frightening masks to try and scare off the forces of bad weather while playing drums, rattles and symbols in a haunting rhythm (Loewen 15). Now, during the weeks before Lent, masked balls and parades are held to remember this ancient ritual (15). Festivals are a major part of the German culture. They are held for all aspects of history, and for music. The festivals are not limited to large cities, and they have an international flair to attract cultures from across the globe.Another aspect of the culture of Germany is the food. German diets were created hundreds of years ago to prevent foods from spoiling ("Germany" 150). Sauerkraut was developed to preserve cabbage, and me...
