Oktoberfest officially began at noon on Saturday when Mayor Dieter Reiter inserted the tap into the first beer keg, marking the start of the 189th festival. Thousands of beer enthusiasts gathered in the Munich fairground to celebrate, toasting with mugs of beer during the world’s largest folk festival. The festival runs through October 6th in 18 large tents covering the Theresienwiese fairground. This year’s event includes increased security measures following a deadly knife attack in Solingen, adding metal detectors to the security lineup for the first time in Oktoberfest’s history.
On the opening day, tens of thousands of people lined the streets to watch the parade and rush to claim tables inside the tents. Despite the morning chill, revelers sprinted through the fairgrounds as soon as the entrances opened, eager to start celebrating. Mikael Caselitz, a Munich native, emphasized the unique experience of Oktoberfest, despite the crowds and occasional messiness. Prices for a 1-liter mug of beer range from 13.60 to 15.30 euros, roughly a 3.87% increase from the previous year. Ollie Standen, a 21-year-old exchange student from England, expressed excitement about trying different German beers not typically found in the United Kingdom.
The festival was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions but returned in 2022. The first Oktoberfest took place on October 17, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Theresa of Saxony. The venue, originally a meadow on the edge of Munich, was named “Theresienwiese” in honor of the bride. Over the years, the festival has become a beloved tradition, attracting millions of visitors annually. This year, organizers are focused on ensuring the safety of attendees while maintaining the festive spirit that Oktoberfest is known for.
As the beer began flowing at noon, servers carried trays of mugs to tables, and revelers clinked their glasses and enjoyed the atmosphere of the festival. The event is expected to draw up to 600,000 visitors each day over the 16-day period. Despite the challenges posed by the recent security concerns, attendees remained enthusiastic about the festival’s return. The merriment, food options, and amusement park rides offered at Oktoberfest add to the festive atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for beer lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
For many, attending Oktoberfest in Munich is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a glimpse into Bavarian culture and traditions. The lively atmosphere and camaraderie among attendees create a sense of celebration and community that sets Oktoberfest apart from other festivals. While the event can be crowded and rowdy at times, the overall experience is one of fun and revelry. For visitors like Ollie Standen, Oktoberfest represents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in German culture and enjoy a wide variety of beers not commonly available elsewhere. Overall, Oktoberfest continues to be a beloved tradition that brings people together to celebrate beer, food, and friendship.
