Here’s why Oktoberfest is celebrated in September

One of life's little mysteries...

You may have recently seen those pictures of the Bayern Munich players wearing lederhosen while knocking back pints. This is definitive proof of two things. 1) Xabi Alonso will always look ice cold cool, regardless of what he's wearing. 2) Oktoberfest is about to start as beer drinkers descend on Bavaria for the annual 16- to 18-day drinkfest.

 Xabi Alonson somehow pulling off a green hat an a granddad cardigan at Oktoberfest 2014. Swoon. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

It doesn't take a genius to spot the one glaring error, though because we're still in the month of September. Why then is Oktoberfest celebrated now as opposed to 16 days later? Here's the exact reason, according to the official website: "The first Oktoberfest was held in the year 1810 in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17th with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September. "By moving the festivities up, it allowed for better weather conditions. Because the September nights were warmer, the visitors were able to enjoy the gardens outside the tents and the stroll over "die Wiesen" or the fields much longer without feeling chilly. Historically, the last Oktoberfest weekend was in October and this tradition continues into present times". There you have it, the September weather in Germany is so good that they decided to extend a festival that's essentially all about drinking. Wunderbar. Carlo Ancelotti approves. And know you know. And knowing is half the battle... Read more....