Lederhosen.  Tankards of beer.  Polkas.  Pretzels.  Warm potato salad.  All these things make us think of one of the most beloved of German holidays—Oktoberfest.  It is a celebration of the masses, of heritage, music, and food, that began in a somewhat unusual way.
 
Oftentimes, the holidays we celebrate today (like Halloween and Christmas) originate in long-held traditions of the citizenry of an area, based on culture, change of seasons, agriculture, and other regional quirks.  Oktoberfest, however, began at the behest of royalty.  In 1810, Prince Louis, the Crown Prince of Bavaria (now part of Germany), was married to Bavarian Crown Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.  The royal family decided to enlist its citizenry in the nuptials, hosting a feast and horse races on the fields in front of the city gates.  The event was so enjoyed by citizens and royals alike that it was held again the following year, and then subsequent years after that, eventually morphing into what we now know as Oktoberfest.
 
Where did the beer come in?  Well, that originated in Germany, as well.  In the late 19th century, six breweries in the city of Munich began featuring a special Okotberfestbier: stronger, maltier, and produced specifically for the festival.  It is brewed to the exacting specifications of the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, known as “Reinheitsgebot.”  German breweries continue to brew their beer to these exacting standards.
 
Alto will be celebrating Oktoberfest for the entire month of Oktober!  On the Alto Dinner menu, Chef Damian is featuring a German Goulash and Pork Schnitzel in his month-long “Chef’s Creations.”  The 7500 Lounge will offer a variety of Oktoberfest brews and drinks, and there will be weekly German-based Köstliche Gerichte (delicious dishes) coming out of the Alto kitchen!  Don’t miss out on a slice of the tasty German Obstkuchen (pie), and be sure to raise your glass before you dive in (another tradition).  Prost (cheers)!