Munich’s annual Oktoberfest celebration commenced today with the traditional tapping of the first beer barrel. Mayor Dieter Reiter, in his tenth year of performing the ceremonial task, initiated the festivities promptly at midday. Following the initial taps, he declared, “O’zapft is! Auf eine friedliche Wiesn!” – a customary proclamation marking the start of the festival and presented the first liter of beer to Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder.
Söder, addressing the attendees, acknowledged the prevailing challenging times, emphasizing the importance of a temporary respite from current crises and encouraging a spirit of celebration during the festival’s duration.
The world-renowned Oktoberfest, anticipated to draw approximately six million visitors from across the globe, will run for 16 days, concluding on October 4th. The event is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy and showcase Bavarian culture on a global scale.