Oktoberfest is officially open in Munich as Mayor Dieter Reiter kicked off the event by tapping the first beer keg. The festival, which is in its 189th year, saw thousands of beer enthusiasts celebrating in the fairgrounds, clinking their mugs in the world’s largest folk festival. Servers wasted no time in ferrying trays of beer mugs to tables, and revelers wasted no time in enjoying the festivities in the 18 large tents covering the Theresienwiese fairground. This year’s Oktoberfest has increased security measures following a deadly knife attack in Solingen, adding metal detectors to ensure the safety of attendees.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, tens of thousands of people gathered to watch the opening parade before racing to claim tables inside the festival tents. Despite security officers’ attempts to maintain order, revelers sprinted through the fairgrounds to secure their spot in line for the celebration. With expectations of 6 million visitors over the 16-day festival, attendees can anticipate paying between 13.60 and 15.30 euros for a 1-liter beer mug. This year’s prices have increased by approximately 3.87% compared to the previous year.
Munich local, Mikael Caselitz, expressed the sentiment that everyone should experience Oktoberfest at least once in their lifetime. Despite the expected crowds and occasional unpleasantries, Caselitz emphasized the fun experience that Oktoberfest offers. Additionally, international attendees like Ollie Standen from England embraced the German tradition, waking up early to join the festivities and sample different beers not commonly found in the United Kingdom. Oktoberfest was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned in 2022 and continues to be a popular event.
The history of Oktoberfest dates back to 1810 when it was originally held to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Theresa of Saxony. The venue, known as Theresienwiese, was named after the bride and has remained the location for the festival despite the date moving to September for warmer temperatures in Bavaria. The festival represents a significant cultural event for Bavaria and attracts visitors from around the world to partake in the beer, food, music, and camaraderie that Oktoberfest offers. The annual celebration continues to be a highlight of the German cultural calendar and a must-visit experience for beer enthusiasts and travelers alike.
