Munich’s Oktoberfest opens as mayor taps the first keg

Munich’s Oktoberfest opened Saturday when Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the first keg with two strokes and the traditional cry of “O’zapft is” — “It’s been tapped.” The ceremony launched the 191st edition of the world’s largest folk festival.

Thousands of revellers, with women in Bavarian dirndls and men in lederhosen, rushed into beer tents at Munich’s Theresienwiese fairground in the morning to secure bench space. Brass music, freshly tapped beer, singing and dancing soon filled the grounds, while pretzels, pork roast and sausages were also popular.

The festival runs for 16 days through Oct. 4 and is expected to draw about six million visitors. Most come from Munich and southern Germany, though millions also travel from elsewhere in Germany and around the world.

Authorities increased security after last year’s festival was temporarily closed because of overcrowding. The German news agency dpa reported that AI-powered cameras were installed this year to detect large crowds early. Knives and flying objects, particularly drones, are prohibited; visitors face entry checks, large bags are banned and marijuana smoking is not allowed.

About 600 police officers are on duty around the festival, alongside Bavarian riot police, specialized pickpocket investigators and international task forces from eight countries, dpa reported. The precautions did not appear to deter attendees. Ava Laboncher of the United States said she was excited to take part, while New Zealand visitor Ben Dawson said he planned to drink plenty of beer and return the next day.