Munich’s Oktoberfest Roars to Life as the Mayor Taps the First Keg
Authorities expect about 6 million visitors as AI cameras, entry checks and weapons bans bolster security after last year’s overcrowding closure.
- Munich Oktoberfest kicked off its 191st edition on Saturday with Mayor Dominik Krause tapping the first keg, launching a 16-day festival expecting some 6 million visitors.
- Krause, a 36-year-old Green Party politician, successfully tapped the keg with two strokes before presenting the first liter to Bavarian Premier Markus of the Christian Social Union, marking the first time a Green mayor served the ceremonial drink.
- Thousands of revelers rushed onto the Theresienwiese fairground shortly after gates opened at 9 a.m., prompting organizers to implement staged entry and deploy AI-powered cameras alongside about 600 police officers to manage crowds.
- Cannon fire signaled beer service could begin across the festival grounds, though a 1-liter beer now costs between €14.80 and €15.90, reflecting a 2.38% price increase from last year.
- Opening day brought blue skies and temperatures up to 24 degrees Celsius as revelers enjoyed brass music and traditional Bavarian food throughout the 16-day celebration through October 4.
133 Articles
133 Articles
The mayor of Munich opened at noon this Saturday 19 September the first barrel of beer of the 191st edition of the Oktoberfest festival, in which six million attendees are expected to participate. It will be more than two weeks of celebration, in which pretzels, roasts of pork and sausages will fill the tables of the colossal fairground Theresienwiese.
The Oktoberfest in Munich started on Saturday when the city's mayor opened the first barrel of beer, inaugurating the 191st edition of the world's largest folk festival.
The famous beer festival has begun in Munich, where six million guests are expected. AI cameras, strict controls and higher beer prices await visitors.
The 191st Oktoberfest beer festival kicks off in Munich today, hosting fans of the hoppy drink and those looking for fun for 16 days. One of the world's largest festivals is expected to attract 6.5 million visitors, and this year, for the first time, measures have been taken to prevent overcrowding. As usual, a liter mug of beer will cost more than last year.
The 191st Oktoberfest beer festival began in Munich on Saturday, with organizers expecting over six million visitors this year. A pint of beer has risen in price again, and according to German media this year it will cost 14.80 to 15.90 euros (360 to 387 CZK). The event in the Bavarian capital was officially opened by Munich Mayor Dominik Krause for the Greens. He announced the traditional “O’zapft is!” after two taps, announcing the successful …
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