The southern German city of Munich is once again hosting the world’s largest beer festival as Oktoberfest gets underway.
The historic celebration, which first began in 1810 to mark the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, has grown into an international event that attracts around six million visitors each year. For a little more than two weeks, the city transforms into a global stage for beer, music, and Bavarian tradition.
The 190th edition opened on Saturday with Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter hammering in the spigot of a beer barrel and declaring the traditional words, “It’s been tapped.” Cheers erupted as makeshift beer halls across 34 hectares filled with locals dressed in traditional attire and tourists raising their jugs in unison.
Six local breweries are serving beverages at the festival, with a liter of beer priced at about 15 euros, or 18 dollars. Organizers explained that the increase reflects rising prices and labor costs.
Oktoberfest will continue until October 5, offering a blend of Bavarian culture, food, music, and countless toasts shared among millions of people from around the world.
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