What to know about celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich

The dress code for many is the traditional Bavarian dirndl, for women, and lederhosen, for men. In stark contrast to other parts of the world, you won’t be accused of cultural misappropriation here — in fact, the locals invite international visitors to dress in traditional costumes.

Beer is not served in steins, as many believe, but in glasses called a “mass,” which is one liter of beer. The servers carry up to six mass in each hand, weighing roughly 12 kilograms (26 pounds). Servers are paid a percentage of the beer and food they serve, plus tips. So tip well, please.

To get their attention, servers wear a clothespin with their name on it, but they also answer to the relaxed address of ‘du’ —  which means “you” — in German.

Revelers hold the mass by the handle so they can easily clink glasses and drink to toasts. When the band calls out: “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. Oans, zwoa, driel g’suffa!” — which translates to “A toast, a toast to fun and friendliness. One, two, three, drink up!” — merrymakers are expected to finish their glasses and reorder.

At other times, they practice “Schunkeln,” linking arms and swaying to the music.

Women: if you wear a dirndl, watch where you tie your bow. Ties on the right traditionally mean you are single and open to flirting.

Oktoberfest is all about beer, which is specially brewed for the event and quite strong (above 6%). But there is also wine, Apfelschorle (a beverage made of carbonated water and apple juice), alcohol-free beer, soft drinks and water.

Across the Wiesn, there are myriad food stalls, serving gigantic pretzels, called brezen, meats like bratwurst, weisswurst and schnitzel, plus fries, curries and so much more.

Within easy walking distance from the Theresienwiese — which means “”Therese’s meadow,” which is where the festival is held — travelers can visit the Sendlinger Tor, a former city gate, and the Viktualienmarkt, a lovely market.