Oktoberfest featival happens during the 16 days before the first Sunday in October, unless the 3rd of October is a Monday or Tuesday. Beer is a vitual part of every festival which begins with a keg of beer tapped by the Mayor of Munich. A special Oktoberfest beer is brewed for the occasion, which is slightly darker and stronger, in both taste and alcohol. Only six local Munich breweries are allowed to serve beer at Oktoberfest. Visitors also consume large quantities of food, most of it traditional hearty fare such as sausage, hendl, cheese noodles and sauerkraut, along with such Bavarian delicacies as roast ox tails.
Oktoberfest had turned into an big world famous festival. The first Americans, Japanese, and New Zealanders discovered the festival and, with beer mugs in hand, stumbled alongside Bavarians. They spread the word of Munich worldwide. To make the Oktoberfest, and especially the beer tents, once again friendly to older people and families, the concept of the "quiet Oktoberfest" was developed in 2005. Until 6:00 PM, the tents only play quiet music, for example traditional wind music. Only after that will Schlager and pop music be played, which has led to more violence in earlier years. The music played in the afternoon is limited to 85 decibels. With these measures, the organizers of the Oktoberfest hope to curb the over-the-top party mentality and preserve the traditional beer tent atmosphere.
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