Traditional gun salutes by the Bavaria statue
The Oktoberfest ends with loud gunshots according to an old custom - even if the celebrations in the tents continue late into the evening, of course. On the last day of the Oktoberfest, Sunday, October 5, at 12 noon, Munich makes a special noise: in the Bavarian tradition, male and female gunners fire their salute from the foot of the Bavaria statue.
Annual Oktoberfest closing ceremony: lots of noise and smoke
Around 60 male and female gunners in traditional costume form up on the steps below the Bavaria at 12 o'clock sharp on the last day of the Oktoberfest. Each shot not only causes a loud bang, but also sends up white smoke - because instead of bullets, the shooters use black powder. The spectacle is accompanied musically by a brass band. Traditionally, the Bavarian anthem is sung at the end.
Gun salutes by the Bavaria statue
12 gun salutes get the beer flowing
At the very beginning of the Oktoberfest, there is also a small gun salute: 12 shots are fired next to the Bavaria statue when the mayor has tapped the first barrel and shouted “O’zapft is! To a peaceful Wiesn!.” These shots are the signal to the other tents that the Oktoberfest is officially open and beer may be served.
Bavarian gun salutes with a long history
Historically, guns have been fired in Bavaria since the late 15th century. It was used to pay homage to higher-ranking people and to joyfully salute births, birthdays and christenings. It was also used to drive away evil spirits and in some regions, the firing of firecrackers served as a warning of impending danger until well into the 20th century.
The Oktoberfest has always been closely linked to the customs of marksmen. Even today, for example, the "Oktoberfestlandesschießen" competition organised by the "Bayerischer
Sportschützenbund" takes place during the festival. The "Behördenschießen" (authority shooting) has also become a firm fixture in the calendar. The two "Schützenfestzelte" (shooting festival tents) in Wirtsbudenstarße are a permanent fixture anyway.
