Oktoberfest kicks off in Germany as boozers in lederhosen down steins of alcohol at world’s biggest beer festival
BOOZERS have dusted off their best lederhosen as the world’s most famous beer festival kicked off in Germany today.
Thousands of drinkers have flooded Munich for the beloved Oktoberfest after it was cancelled two years in a row.
Dressed in lederhosen trousers and drindl blouses, thirsty punters have been pictured reaching for steins of beer as they attempt to beat the crowds.
Tables are packed full of boozers sinking pints after the bash was opened by Munich mayor Dieter Reiter at midday.
With three knocks of a hammer and the traditional cry of “O’zapft is” (“It’s tapped”) the official inserted the tap in the first keg at noon on Saturday, officially starting festivities.
Following the ceremony, twelve gunshots were fired to signal that other tents could open.
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The beer started flowing immediately – with millions expected to lap up festivities until the 187th Oktoberfest closes on October 3.
In 2014, 7.7million litres of beer was served – the festival’s record since it began in 1810.
Visitors from around the world will be able to stumble in and out a vast number of alcohol tents
In additional to the dozens of regional beers on tap, the festival sees traditional parades and live music – along with opportunities to taste lots of delicious local cuisine.
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Meanwhile, many more millions in cities around the world will attend celebrations modelled on the original Munich party.
The world-famous beer festval – which normally takes place in Munich – was scrapped in 2020 for the first time since World War 2 because of the Covid pandemic.
But dozens of bars in the Bavarian city planned their own boozy spin-off events called Pub Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest has typically drawn about six million visitors every year to packed festival grounds in Bavarias capital.
The event did not take place in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with the unpredictable development of Covid infections and restrictions.
Those worries were put aside this year.
The city announced in late April that Oktoberfest would go ahead, and Reiter said Saturday that it was a good decision.
Bavarian governor Markus Soeder said at the opening ceremony today: “I’m glad that we can finally celebrate together.
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“There are many who say, Can we, can we not? Is it appropriate now?
“I just want to say one thing: We have two or three difficult years behind us, no one knows exactly what this winter will be like, and we need joie de vivre and strength.”