Oktoberfest Kicks Off: The Grand Celebration Begins with the Ceremonial Keg-Tapping

MUNICH (AP) — Oktoberfest has officially commenced. The festival’s 189th edition kicked off at noon on Saturday when Mayor Dieter Reiter tapped the first keg of beer, marking the start of the world’s largest folk festival. A lively crowd of beer enthusiasts gathered at the Munich fairgrounds, raising their mugs in celebration.

Excited servers quickly began delivering trays laden with up to eight glasses each to eager tables. Guests relished clinking their mugs together and enjoying gulps of beer amidst the warm atmosphere of the festival tents. The festivities will continue until October 6, occupying 18 large tents at Theresienwiese fairground.

This year’s festival features heightened security due to a recent tragic knife attack in Solingen, located about 470 kilometers (292 miles) northwest of Munich. The incident on August 23 resulted in three fatalities and eight injuries, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility without presenting substantial proof. In response, festival organizers have introduced metal detectors, a first for Oktoberfest, although they maintain there are no specific threats.

Early on Saturday, large crowds filled the streets to witness the festive parade, while many rushed to secure a spot at tables inside the tents. Friends chatted, played card games, and explored food options and amusement rides, all while awaiting the drinking to commence.

When the gates opened at 9 a.m., excited attendees dashed through the fairgrounds despite security attempts to maintain order. Amid the brisk morning air, joyful laughter could be heard, with one participant exclaiming, “Why are we running!” as they raced to be first in line for the tents.

Attendance is anticipated to reach around 6 million throughout the 16-day festival, with daily numbers possibly hitting 600,000. Festival-goers should be prepared to spend between 13.60 and 15.30 euros (about $15.12 to $17.01) for a 1-liter mug of beer. Compared to last year, this year’s prices have risen by approximately 3.87%.

Mikael Caselitz, 24, a lifelong Munich native, emphasized that everyone should experience Oktoberfest at least once, despite the crowded and chaotic atmosphere that can sometimes lead to unsightly scenes.

Ollie Standen, a 21-year-old from England, woke up at 6 a.m. to ensure he was among the first to join in on the festivities. Currently in Munich for a university exchange program, he was encouraged by a local friend to participate. Excited about tasting unique German beers not available in the UK, he remarked, “It’s a fantastic German tradition, and I’m thrilled to be here.”

The festival took a break in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but successfully returned in 2022, proving the enduring appeal of this beloved celebration.

The origins of Oktoberfest date back to October 17, 1810, established to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Theresa of Saxony. Initially held in a meadow on the outskirts of Munich, the area was named “Theresienwiese” in her honor. Although the date has shifted to September for milder weather, the name endures.