Munich was 840 years old
on June 14th 1998
In the 8th century,
Munich
was a small monastic settlement known as "bei den Munichen" (by the monks). The
actual founder of Munich was "Duke Henry the Lion". He destroyed a toll bridge
over the Isar river near Föhring, that used to carry the salt trade and built
another one in "Munichen". This
redirected the
wagons over his bridge, were he collected the toll. Today that is called a
competitive advantage.
A Reich-Council meeting in Augsburg on June 14th
1158 confirmed the Dukes action. This became the official birthday for the city
of Munich.
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As is very normal in Munich, local people often dress
in the Bavarian style when going out. This is called "Bayerische Tracht".
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This
"Hochradfahrer" (high bike rider) certainly gets a great view of
all the Munich celebrations. |
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The Geburtstag (birthday) stage set-up in the
Munich Marienplatz. Many thousands of people
packed the area to see the musical and dance events. |
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Munich's
famous"Schuhplattler", an old dance were the
men slap their hands on their knees and shoes, in time to the music.
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A
view from Marienplatz towards Odeonsplatz in Theatiner
Straße |
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A horse drawn
Munich bus that was used in the city between 1873 and 1905. The name is a
"Pferde-Trambahn"
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| These traditional music players are called a "Blasmusik Kapelle" and will be
seen in most parades. |
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These ladies from the "Heimat- und Brauchtumsverein Lechler - München e.V" are
hand making the decorative custume jewellery used on most traditional dresses. The full
name is "Biedermaier Tracht". |
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These "Gaukler" are part of the festival. This
picture was taken in the open square behind the
Munich Rathaus (townhall) called Marienhof. |
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"Handwerkerhof"