On Wednesday last week, Munich’s Viktualienmarkt has officially been pronounced Bavarian Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Viktualienmarkt developed from a farmers' market to a famous market for gourmets and has become one of the more popular sights in Munich. It is situated on an homonymous city square. In a 22,000 m2 area, 140 stalls and shops offer flowers, exotic fruit, game, poultry, spices, cheese, fish, etc. The Viktualienmarkt is being held at the same place for over 200 years, due to a decree issued by King Maximilian I on 2. May, 1807.
The name Viktualienmarkt comes from a time when it was fashionable in Germany to use Latin names for just about anything. Viktualia simply means food.
The market hosts a number of traditional and folkloric events. The next event at the market will begin on November 11th at 11.11am. At the event called Narrhalla, Munich’s carnival Prince and Princess will be introduced. The event also marks the beginning of carnival season in Munich.
