MUNICH — Germany’s largest folk festival, Oktoberfest, formally commenced on Saturday after the traditional tapping of the first beer keg at the Theresienwiese grounds. The event, now in its 201st edition, was welcomed by crowds gathering on the Oktoberfestplatz.
Chief tapster Markus Köberl led the ceremony, which included the customary invocation by the mayor: “O’zapft is!” (It is tapped!). Following this, Köberl presented the first pint to Mayor Dieter Reiter, marking the official start of the festival.
The annual celebration spans 16 days, concluding with a grand closing parade scheduled for October 4.
While the opening is a major attraction for local attendees, visitors from abroad are expected to arrive in droves over the coming weekend. The festival begins with “Anzapfstage”—special themed days from September 19 to 21 dedicated to opening rituals, followed by numerous regional and cultural themes such as Frisian Day, Saxon Day, and Tyrolean Day throughout the run.
According to initial estimates from the city, the 17 large beer tents will pour approximately 650,000 liters of beer daily. Additionally, 13 smaller beer stalls and a variety of food vendors will operate on the grounds. This year also sees a return of non-alcoholic offerings, with eight alcohol-free beer tents available alongside the traditional provisions.
I noticed the eight alcohol-free tents mentioned. Great to see Munich embracing non-drinkers alongside the traditional beer lovers.
Finally back! Six hundred fifty thousand liters daily is insane. Hope the crowds aren’t too overwhelming this year.