Oktoberfest Begins: Two Weeks of Extraordinary Events Get Underway
The Oktoberfest is getting underway in Munich. For the first time, Bavarian Minister-President Söder will receive the first Wiesn beer from a Green Party member — the new Lord Mayor Krause.
At the stroke of 12 noon, Munich's annual spectacle begins: the 191st Oktoberfest kicks off. It will be opened by the new Lord Mayor Dominik Krause (Greens).
There is eager anticipation over how many strikes it will take him before the tap is in place and the beer flows. "Two to three is the goal," he has announced. Following tradition, he will hand the first stein to Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU), to toast a peaceful Wiesn with him. This marks the first time Söder will receive his first Wiesn beer from the hands of a Green Party member.
At the same moment, cannon shots will announce the start of the festival — only then may beer be served in all the festival tents. Until October 4th, around six million visitors are expected, as every year.
Enhanced Security Measures
After the festival had to be temporarily halted last year on the second Saturday due to overcrowding, a new coordination and monitoring center has been established. AI-assisted cameras are intended to detect overly large gatherings.
A knife ban and a flight ban, particularly for drones, are in effect around the grounds. There are entry checks, large bags are prohibited, as is cannabis consumption. Approximately 600 police officers are deployed. The Wiesn police post is supported by the Bavarian Ready Police, specialized pickpocket detectives, and international forces from eight countries.
