First Oktoberfest: Munich celebrates the royal wedding (1810)

The first Oktoberfest originated in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The wedding took place on 12 October 1810, with ceremonies in Munich's court chapel followed by festivities on a meadow outside the city walls. This meadow was subsequently named Theresienwiese in honor of the princess, establishing the site for the annual festival.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Crown Prince Ludwig, born in 1786, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October 1810. Therese, born in 1792, had been considered a potential bride for Napoleon in 1809 before marrying Ludwig. The wedding marked the first royal marriage in Munich since 1722, and the first Oktoberfest was held on 12 October 1810 to celebrate the union.

Wedding Ceremony. The marriage ceremony occurred on the evening of 12 October 1810 in the court chapel of Munich. This event was significant as it was the first royal wedding in Munich since 1722. Following the ceremony, celebrations continued on a meadow outside Munich's city walls, which was later named Theresienwiese in honor of Princess Therese.

Festival Origins. The first Oktoberfest was held on 12 October 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The meadow that hosted the festivities was later called Theresienwiese, meaning "Therese's meadow," and became the venue of Oktoberfest, held annually since that year.

People involved

Sources

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