Right from the Beer types to dress code and even language, there are some rules you need to observe at the Oktoberfest in Munich, as well as other corners of the globe. Oktoberfest is a celebration that is all about indulging in pints of excellent beer, enjoying some quality time and dancing with your loved ones on the German folk songs.

A German festival, Oktoberfest starts in the month of September and here we explain why you need to exercise some caution when you stand in the beer tents drinking your favorite beer.

1.    The Bavarian Timing

Back in the year 1810, the first-ever Oktoberfest to take place was in the month of October. Probably, this is the reason it goes by the name “Oktoberfest,” but today, it opens annually in September. The main reason behind this timing is due to the bad weather. In the month of October, it is a known fact that snow could linger around the corner, which would turn out to be a disaster for the entire festival. In 1994, the beer celebration moved to September.

2. The Bavarian Dress Code

When Attending Oktoberfest, you cannot just show up in your casual jeans and a T-shirt, you need to make sure that your style is a lot consistent! You have to blend in, just like the locals! When attending Oktoberfest, you need to know that the traditional lederhosen is the costume men wear. The local workers in the alpine regions once wore this Bavarian outfit. It features authentic suede leather pants in variable lengths, checkered shirts, leather suspenders, and other accessories to complete the festive look. The LederhosenForSale in many regions today come with intricately embroidered details and buckhorn style buttons for a secure fit.

Women wear the traditional dirndl, featuring a skirt, bodice, blouse, and apron. However, when attending Oktoberfest, you need to be cautious about how you tie the knot, a bow on the left side means you are single, and on the right means, you are not available. However, the bow in the middle shows that you are a virgin. A bow on the back means you are a widow.

3. The Bavarian Vocabulary

The best way to bridge the language barrier is through learning a few words in the German or Bavarian dialect before you attend Oktoberfest. A simple hello greeting goes “servus.” Something more difficult can be “hock di her da,” means you can offer someone else a spot on your table. For a block in communication, you can try “verstehst du,” meaning do you understand. To say goodbye, you can say “Auf Wiedersehen,”or “Tschüss,”a short form to say may God keep a watch over you.

4. Etiquettes in the Beer Tent

During Oktoberfest, dancing on the benches is tolerable; however, you should not stand on the tables and decide to take off your clothes. Another taboo when in the beer tent is stealing beer steins. You need to beware that thieves have no respect! Then again, they are a still souvenir beloved among most visitors. Every year, thousands of beer steins disappear and the mighty big half-liter mugs are the popular ones in particular.

Attending Oktoberfest is a fun experience, and at least once in your life, you should consider attending the festival! However, keep these things in mind and you are sure to blend in just a local!