Oktoberfest roars to life with six million visitors expected
Munich's Oktoberfest began with the mayor tapping the first keg, expecting about six million visitors over 16 days through October 4.
Mayor Dominik Krause tapped the first keg with only two strokes and used the traditional cry of 'It's been tapped.' Thousands of visitors in Bavarian dress rushed into the beer tents on Theresienwiese fairground.
The festival is the world's largest folk festival and runs for 16 days. Most visitors come from Munich and southern Germany, though millions travel from across Germany and around the world.
German authorities made security tighter after last year's festival temporarily closed due to overcrowding. AI-powered cameras were installed to spot large crowds early.
A ban on knives and drones is now in effect. About 600 police officers are on duty with international task forces.
- 191st
- Edition number
- 6 million
- Expected visitors
- 16 days, through October 4
- Festival duration
- 600 officers
- Police on duty
Why it mattersOktoberfest is a major cultural event for Munich and brings money to the city. The security upgrades show what Munich learned from last year's crowd safety issues.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect, though some Australians travel to Munich for the festival.
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