Festivals in Munich

Imagine six million liters of beer, enough to fill a small lake or pour a glass for every man, woman and child in Germany. Add a few thousand traditionally-clad, voluptuous Bavarian waitresses carrying up to 22 liters of beer at a time, the equivalent of 66 12-ounce bottles.

Have you heard of Starkbierzeit? It's German for 'strong beer festival,' an event held every March in Munich. For two weeks, Münchners take a break from Lenten self-denial, breweries bring out their most potent beverages, and beer halls throw noisy parties with Bavarian food and entertainment. Locals call it their 'fifth season.'