(de-news.net) – The 190th Oktoberfest was formally inaugurated in Munich as Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) performed the ceremonial keg tapping at noon, declaring “O’zapft is!” For the ninth time, Reiter fulfilled this traditional role, requiring two strikes to open the first barrel. In accordance with custom, the initial Maß of beer was presented to Bavarian Premier Markus Söder (CSU), who remarked, “We take a break from the hardships and rejoice properly,” thereby highlighting the festival’s symbolic role as a momentary reprieve from global challenges.

The opening festivities drew several hundred thousand attendees to the Theresienwiese, where unseasonably warm weather prevailed. Spanning 16 days from 20 September to 5 October, the world’s largest folk festival is expected to welcome more than six million international visitors. A comparable volume of beer consumption is anticipated. Public safety throughout the event is maintained by a contingent of 600 police officers.