Munich's 191st Oktoberfest, the world's largest folk festival, opened Saturday as Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the first keg in two strokes with the traditional shout, "O'zapft is" ("It's been tapped").
Through October 4, around six million local and global visitors- women in dirndls and men in lederhosen- are expected over 16 days at the Theresienwiese fairground to enjoy brass music, beer, pretzels, pork roast, and sausages.
German authorities tightened security following last year's temporary closure due to overcrowding. Media reported that AI cameras, entry checks, and 600 police officers-alongside riot police, pickpocket investigators, and task forces from eight countries-are on duty. Bans on knives, drones, large bags, and marijuana are also in effect.
Undeterred by precautions, visitors celebrated enthusiastically. Ava Laboncher from the U.S. called the atmosphere "amazing," while Ben Dawson from New Zealand pledged to drink plenty of beer and return Sunday.