Oktoberfest underway in Munich as millions visit Bavarian capital
Oktoberfest typically attracts about 6 million visitors each year. The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with COVID-19, but has returned
MUNICH, Germany – The beer is flowing and millions of people flock to the Bavarian capital to celebrate the official opening of Oktoberfest.
With the traditional slogan “O’zapft is” – “Exploited” – Mayor Dieter Reiter installed the tap in the first barrel at noon on Saturday, officially opening the 18-day festival.
Revelers appear in traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses flocked to the festival grounds in Munich on Saturday morning, filling dozens of traditional tents in anticipation of receiving their first 1-liter (2-pint) beer.
Minutes before the first barrel was tapped, to the cheers of the crowd, Bavarian Governor Markus Soeder asked festival-goers if they were ready for Oktoberfest to begin.
“I can only say one thing: This is the most beautiful, biggest, most important festival in the world,” he said.
RELATED: Know Before You Trade! Road closures at Addison Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest typically attracts about 6 million visitors each year. The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned in 2022.
A 1-liter cup costs between 12.60 euros and 14.90 euros ($13.45 to $15.90) this year, up about 6% from last year.
This year’s Oktoberfest, its 188th edition, runs until October 3.
RELATED: Oktoberfest in Fayetteville includes live music dog competition, male beauty pageant
