The world's most famous beer festival Oktoberfest has begun

(Patria) - The world-famous beer festival Oktoberfest began yesterday in the southern German city of Munich.

Even the great heat did not deter visitors from Oktoberfest, which is expected to be attended by millions of people over the next 16 days.

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter opened the 190th edition of the festival on the Theresienwiese meadow at noon yesterday.

Reiter opened the taps and exclaimed "O'zapft is", a Bavarian expression meaning "It is tapped".



According to tradition, the Bavarian Prime Minister received the first liter of beer.

- Oktoberfest is the best way to fight global crises - simply a break, a little enjoyment of life, recharging batteries - said Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soder.

During the 16-day duration - until October 5, participants can join the festivities in beer tents, ride on Ferris wheels, and dress up in 'dirndl' and 'lederhosen'.

The traditional event can attract up to six million festival visitors, and a record seven million joined the fun in 2023. The festival, locally known as Wiesn, is considered the largest of its kind in the world.

The first weekend of Oktoberfest 2025 is taking place in hot weather, with temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius.



Enthusiastic visitors waited in line from the early morning hours, wanting to get a seat in the beer tents where the first liters of beer began to flow from noon.

Authorities have again increased security this year following a series of attacks in Germany over the past year.

The ban on knives has been extended from the festival grounds to the surrounding area, while large bags are prohibited, and checks are carried out at the entrances.

Emergency services were immediately very busy, with more than 130 patients treated by early afternoon due to the heat.