191. Münchner Oktoberfest ist eröffnet

Munich’s 191th Oktoberfest began on Saturday with the traditional tapping of the first beer barrel. The event took place at noon on the Theresienwiese, with new Mayor Dominik Krause (Greens) performing the ceremonial act. Krause tapped the barrel with two strikes and declared “O’zapft is,” signaling the official start of the world-renowned festival. He handed the first liter of beer to Bavarian Premier Markus Söder (CSU), marking the first time Söder received the ceremonial drink from a Greens mayor. The festival, known locally as the Wiesn, will run through October 4 and is expected to attract over six million visitors. This year, the event includes numerous celebrities among its attendees, such as FC Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, moderator Florian Silbereisen, DJ Ötzi, and others. The weather was mild and sunny, contributing to the festive atmosphere. The gates to the Oktoberfest grounds opened at 9 a.m., drawing large crowds who had been waiting since early morning. Some guests arrived as early as 7 p.m. on Friday with camping gear and sleeping bags. Security personnel managed the flow of people in stages to prevent overcrowding at the entrances. Krause introduced a new element during his first visit to the Oktoberfest as mayor. As the procession of beer vendors and breweries entered the festival grounds, his carriage stopped at the main entrance for a brief moment of remembrance for the victims of the 1980 Oktoberfest bombing. On September 26, 1980, a bomb killed 12 people and injured around 200. The perpetrator, Gundolf Köhler, also died in the attack. Before the tapping ceremony, Söder used the opportunity to promote Munich as a candidate city for the Olympics. He expressed hope that the next year would see the Wiesn celebrated alongside Munich being named the definitive Olympic city. Krause’s performance was praised by Söder, who called it very professional and well done. Early in the morning, visitors made their way to the festival grounds, many dressed in traditional Bavarian attire such as dirndls and lederhosen. The weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and temperatures reaching up to 24 degrees Celsius. Despite the pleasant weather, the medical services at the festival reported treating approximately 50 patients by midday, indicating the usual level of activity and potential health issues associated with the event. The cost of a liter of beer ranged from €14.80 to €15.90 this year, representing a slight increase compared to last year. The prices reflect ongoing inflation trends affecting various sectors of the economy. As the festival commenced, the atmosphere was lively and filled with anticipation. Attendees gathered in the beer tents, ready to enjoy the traditional fare, entertainment, and the iconic Bavarian culture that defines the Oktoberfest experience.