Munich was  845 years old on June 14th 2005

The origin of the city of Munich goes back to 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.

The Bishop of Freising complained and Emperor Frederick Barberosse called a Reich-Council meeting in Augsburg on June 14th 1158 and confirmed the Dukes action. This became the official birthday ( Geburtstag ) for the city of Munich. Each year Munich celebrates this anniversary with a two day festival.

The big news this year was the closing and dismantling of all the market stalls due to a hurricane warning. Normally the stalls are open until 22.00pm but at 19.00pm the police told all stallholders to pack up and go home. The storm did come, but no damage was reported. By Sunday morning everything was re-assembled and the celebration resumed.

The Munich flag is black/yellow and should not be confused with the better known white/blue chequer flag of Bavaria. Both flags are flown on many official builds. Many entertainers used the stage outside the Rathaus throughout the festival, from pop groups, singers and dancers. This was the focal point of the festival .   A jazz band strikes up a number of popular tunes in front of the Feldherrnhalle   The Munich Rathaus (town hall) on Marienplatz. The festival goes from here until Odeonsplatz. Odeonsplatz with the Feldherrnhalle in the background. Food and drink are available for the thirsty and hungry visitors. The beer was good.     Enthusiasts dressed in traditional costume of Bavarian soldiers   A typical stall showing handmade crafts. More than 100 stalls where in Theatiner Straße and Residenzstraße.   Munich costumes from long ago. In to days heat, must have been very uncomfortable.   A view from the Munich Feldherrnhalle looking towards Leopoldstrasse. The displays from many of Munich's craftsmen and demonstrations were shown. Maybe this makes you fill a little hungry, A super Bratwurst with Munich mustard. Theatiner Straße looking towards Winestraße and Marienhof   Figures on stilts parade around the festival, bringing, excitement wherever they went.     Horse draw carriage makes its leisurely around the festival streets. Every one of these stalls was taken down Saturday evening and re-assemble in time for Sundays opening. The sun shining on the Alte Rathaus in Marienplatz, which is now a museum.