The hotels are full. The trains are full. The city is in a celebratory mood: “Ozapft is” is what is being said in Munich on Saturday – the Oktoberfest is beginning. At 12 noon, Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) will tap the first keg of beer and open the festival. The weather forecast is good: the German Weather Service (DWD) is predicting sunshine and mild autumn weather with temperatures of up to just over 20 degrees for the start of the Oktoberfest.
Beer flows from 12 noon
Markus Söder (CSU) receives the first freshly tapped beer – the Prime Minister traditionally toasts a peaceful Oktoberfest with the mayor. Only then will beer be served in the tents. A beer costs between 13.60 and 15.30 euros.
Since last year, drinking water has been available free of charge from fountains on site. Table water in the tent costs an average of over ten euros per liter. Smoking weed: Not allowed. Bavaria has banned the smoking of cannabis at folk festivals by state law.
A boozy pre-party on the way to Munich
Around six million visitors are expected by October 6th. The Oktoberfest is considered the largest folk festival in the world. Already on Friday, partygoers fill the train. Beer, schnapps and drinking games are used to warm up the party. Oktoberfest fans are travelling to Munich from various parts of Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, and also from abroad, such as the Netherlands.
Stricter controls
Following the presumably Islamist-motivated attacks in Solingen and Munich, security measures have been tightened. Checks at the entrances have been intensified, hand-held metal detectors have been used for the first time, and there will also be pat-downs. Knives, glass bottles and large bags are not allowed onto the premises.
Around 600 police officers are expected to be on duty. In addition, there will be several thousand stewards, around 1,200 to 1,500 of whom will be deployed by the city alone, plus those of the innkeepers.
Olympia Looping can start after fatal accident
The Olympia Looping roller coaster can open at the start of the Munich Oktoberfest. The TÜV gave the green light after two days of testing, the showman announced. On Monday, a worker was fatally injured during a test ride. The 20-year-old was hit by a train and died in hospital. The man was probably in the track area, the police explained. There was apparently a warning to this effect before the test ride.
The showmen remembered the man with a minute’s silence. “We will not forget the terrible event that overshadowed this week. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the deceased,” said showman Otto Barth. Additional safety training was given for the employees.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240921-930-238887/1
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