MUNICH – Bridie O’Halloran had her first taste of beer at the renowned Oktoberfest in Munich.
At just 19 years old, the Australian newcomer proclaimed it as “the best I’ve had” after sipping from her liter mug on Saturday. Dressed in a vibrant pink dirndl dress purchased just hours before, O’Halloran joined tens of thousands of seasoned beer enthusiasts for the opening day of the 189th Oktoberfest.
The festivities commenced with Mayor Dieter Reiter tapping the first beer keg to mark the start of the world’s largest folk festival. Servers swiftly began delivering mugs of beer to the bustling tents, while guests clinked their glasses and enjoyed traditional Bavarian music.
Running until October 6th, the festival boasts 18 large tents at the Theresienwiese fairground. With an anticipated 6 million visitors over 16 days, attendees can quench their thirst with a large mug of beer priced between 13.60 and 15.30 euros ($15.12 to $17.01). This year’s rates represent a modest increase from 2023.
In light of recent events, heightened security measures have been implemented following a deadly knife attack in Solingen. Despite the added precautions, organizers have assured no specific threats have been identified.
On Saturday morning, eager participants dashed through the fairgrounds at the crack of dawn to secure their spots within the tents. From traditional parades to culinary delights like roasted chicken and pretzels, Oktoberfest offers something for every reveler.
A local Munich native, Mikael Caselitz, emphasized the festival’s unique charm, encouraging everyone to experience it at least once in a lifetime. Similarly, Ollie Standen, a visitor from England, expressed enthusiasm for sampling the variety of German beers unavailable in his homeland.
Having missed the previous two years due to the pandemic’s impact, Oktoberfest returned in 2022, continuing a cherished tradition that dates back over two centuries.
Originally initiated to celebrate the union of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Theresa of Saxony in 1810, Oktoberfest has evolved into a cultural phenomenon attracting millions of attendees from around the globe.
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