Oktoberfest, one of Germany’s most enduring traditions, won’t take place this year. Although the planned festivities were still months away, the unprecedented threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted organizers to call things off for the year.
Things typically kick off in September.
While Oktoberfest kicks into high gear in the month whose name it bears, the festivities usually get started in Munich in mid-September.
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The festival first started in 1810.
This painting by Heinrich Adam shows an early-1820s Oktoberfest. After more than two centuries, the festival is a massive boon to Munich’s economy, and one of Germany’s proudest traditions.
The crowds are big.
This is the crux of the problem: thousands upon thousands of people in close proximity for days on end. This is exactly the kind of situation that could accelerate the infection rate of COVID-19.
German officials made their announcement this week.
This tweet from Bavarian premier Markus Söder announced the difficult decision. Söder and Dieter Reiter, mayor of Munich, made up their minds after determining that the risk was just too great.
Here’s what he said.
Roughly translated, Söder’s tweet reads:
Difficult decision with Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter: Oktoberfest 2020 must be canceled. The risk is just too high. You can neither keep your distance there nor wear a face mask. Living with Corona means living cautiously until there is a vaccine or medication.
It’s disappointing, but necessary.
Humans love to gather, but we all need to accept that we won’t be going to Oktoberfest, or big sporting events, or any kinds of music festivals for the foreseeable future.
What about 2021?
Authorities made no mention of the status of Oktoberfest 2021. Given that it’s a year and a half away, they’re likely adopting a “wait and see” approach.
It’ll be back eventually.
The news is disappointing but entirely unsurprising. If there’s a glimmer of hope here, it’s that the pandemic and self-isolation will end eventually, and we’ll all be able to party again someday…eventually.
h/t: Delish
