٠٠:٠٣:٣٤The world’s largest beer festival kicked off in Munich on Saturday as the legendary Oktoberfest returned to the Bavarian capital for its 188th edition.
Footage shows attendees racing to the Scottenhammel beer tent for a fun-packed day of beer drinking and revelry.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter officially opened the long-awaited festival by cracking open the first keg while Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soder received the first stein.
“This year I saw thousands of people on the side of the road who were in a great mood, and it's just something different when you drive in there in bright sunshine, the people cheering you on, the people are happy. You notice the mood in the tent, everything is just right,” Reiter said.
Authorities dispatched some 600 police, 450 paramedics, 55 doctors and 2,000 stewards to the event in case of emergencies.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on October 3, when Germany celebrates reunification, lasting two days longer than usual to resume its pre-COVID-19 pace.
Oktoberfest has been a staple of German culture since 1810 and was created by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to thank his wife, Therese, for her support after their marriage.
Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the largest Volksfests (people's festivals) in the world.
The Oktoberfest festival will take place for 16 days from September 16 to October 3.
Bottoms up! Munich mayor opens world-famous Oktoberfest
The world’s largest beer festival kicked off in Munich on Saturday as the legendary Oktoberfest returned to the Bavarian capital for its 188th edition.
Footage shows attendees racing to the Scottenhammel beer tent for a fun-packed day of beer drinking and revelry.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter officially opened the long-awaited festival by cracking open the first keg while Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soder received the first stein.
“This year I saw thousands of people on the side of the road who were in a great mood, and it's just something different when you drive in there in bright sunshine, the people cheering you on, the people are happy. You notice the mood in the tent, everything is just right,” Reiter said.
Authorities dispatched some 600 police, 450 paramedics, 55 doctors and 2,000 stewards to the event in case of emergencies.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on October 3, when Germany celebrates reunification, lasting two days longer than usual to resume its pre-COVID-19 pace.
Oktoberfest has been a staple of German culture since 1810 and was created by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to thank his wife, Therese, for her support after their marriage.
Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the largest Volksfests (people's festivals) in the world.
The Oktoberfest festival will take place for 16 days from September 16 to October 3.
The world’s largest beer festival kicked off in Munich on Saturday as the legendary Oktoberfest returned to the Bavarian capital for its 188th edition.
Footage shows attendees racing to the Scottenhammel beer tent for a fun-packed day of beer drinking and revelry.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter officially opened the long-awaited festival by cracking open the first keg while Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soder received the first stein.
“This year I saw thousands of people on the side of the road who were in a great mood, and it's just something different when you drive in there in bright sunshine, the people cheering you on, the people are happy. You notice the mood in the tent, everything is just right,” Reiter said.
Authorities dispatched some 600 police, 450 paramedics, 55 doctors and 2,000 stewards to the event in case of emergencies.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on October 3, when Germany celebrates reunification, lasting two days longer than usual to resume its pre-COVID-19 pace.
Oktoberfest has been a staple of German culture since 1810 and was created by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to thank his wife, Therese, for her support after their marriage.
Today, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people each year, making it one of the largest Volksfests (people's festivals) in the world.
The Oktoberfest festival will take place for 16 days from September 16 to October 3.