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Oktoberfest 2023 begins in Germany as hundreds flock to Munich

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The beer is flowing and millions of people descend on the Bavarian capital to celebrate the official opening of Oktoberfest.

With the traditional cry of “O’zapft is” — “It’s tapped” — Mayor Dieter Reiter inserted the tap in the first keg at noon on Saturday, officially opening the 18-day festivities.

Revelers decked out in traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses trooped to Munich’s festival grounds Saturday morning, filling the dozens of traditional tents in anticipation of getting their first 2-pint mug of beer.

Minutes before the first keg was tapped, to cheers from the crowd, Bavarian Gov. Markus Soeder asked festivalgoers if they were ready for Oktoberfest to begin.


Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter taps the first barrel of beer with the traditional "O´zapft is!" (It's tapped!) to open Oktoberfest.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter taps the first barrel of beer with the traditional “O´zapft is!” (It’s tapped!) to open Oktoberfest 2023.
AFP via Getty Images

Reiter, right, and Bavaria's State Premier Markus Soeder drink from their beer mugs following the tapping of the first barrel.
Reiter, right, and Bavaria’s State Premier Markus Soeder drink from their beer mugs following the tapping of the first barrel.
AFP via Getty Images

Revelers decked out in traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses trooped to Munich’s festival grounds Saturday morning, filling the dozens of traditional tents in anticipation of getting their first 2-pint mug of beer.
Revelers decked out in traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses trooped to Munich’s festival grounds Saturday morning, filling the dozens of traditional tents in anticipation of getting their first 2-pint mug of beer.
REUTERS

The Oktoberfest has typically drawn about 6 million visitors every year.
The Oktoberfest has typically drawn about 6 million visitors every year.
AFP via Getty Images

“I can only say one thing: This is the most beautiful, biggest, most important festival in the world,” he said.

The Oktoberfest has typically drawn about 6 million visitors every year.

The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with COVID-19, but returned in 2022.

A 2-pint mug costs between $13.45 to $15.90 this year, an increase of around 6% from last year.

This year’s Oktoberfest, the 188th edition, runs through Oct. 3.


A person carries food to a table inside one of the dozens of tents at Oktoberfest on Sept. 16.
A person carries food to a table inside one of the dozens of tents at Oktoberfest on Sept. 16.
REUTERS

A 2-pint mug costs between $13.45 to $15.90 this year, an increase of around 6% from last year.
A 2-pint mug costs between $13.45 to $15.90 this year, an increase of around 6% from last year.
REUTERS

A band plays some songs while festival goers party down below.
A band plays some songs while festival goers party down below.
Getty Images

People dressed in historical clothes attend the parade during the official opening of the 188th Oktoberfest.
People dressed in historical clothes attend the parade during the official opening of the 188th Oktoberfest.
REUTERS

When the gates open, visitors race to get a good table inside the tents during Oktoberfest.
When the gates open, visitors race to get a good table inside the tents during Oktoberfest.
REUTERS

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