20 Things You Didn't Know About Oktoberfest

Mentioning the German festival of Oktoberfest conjures up mental images of enormous beer steins, waitresses in traditional Bavarian garb, and food offerings such as pretzels and sausages — but how much else do you really know about this annual tradition?

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Oktoberfest began more than 200 years ago, and yet people outside of Germany still know remarkably little about the event. For instance, its size is often underestimated. Did you know that not only does the festival have its own church services, but it also has its own post office, which sends about 130,000 letters and packages each year? Or how about the fact that getting approved to open your own vendor stall can take up to 20 years?

If you found those little facts fascinating, then allow us to enlighten you with 20 additional bits of information about Oktoberfest that range from stats to stories. Either way, you're sure to wow your drinking buddies with this information — especially after they've downed a couple steins.