Oktoberfest 2016 Begins

It was a rainy day in Munich for the opening of the 183rd Oktoberfest but that didn’t dampen the spirits of plenty of festival goers who began queing before sunrise for prime open ceremony positions.  Some 6 million people are expected to attend this years festival.

As is tradition, the first keg was tapped in the Schottenhamel Tent by the Mayor of Munich followed shortly after by the other tents.

 

 

Munich Oktoberfest 2016

Construction of the beer tents at Theresienwiese in Munich is well underway with Oktoberfest 2016 due to begin on September 17th. Of course the local Oktoberfest events here in Australia tend to begin long after Munich has settled down and the beer tents are going back into their storage containers.

Image Source: www.oktoberfest.de

For those lucky enough to be attending Oktoberfest in Munich this year, there are a few security changes due to recent events both in Germany and around the the world.

Previously entry to the Oktoberfest grounds was uncontrolled with patrons free to come and go as they please.  Begining this year the number of entry points will be reduced with fencing put in place and security checkpoints at those remaining entries.

Image Source: www.oktoberfest.de

Image Source: www.oktoberfest.de

Backpacks and large bags will be prohibited inside the grounds however places to store them will be available nearby.  Handbags and the like are still permitted however will be subject to inspection on entry.  ID checks will also be conducted so ensure you carry some form of photo ID for hassle free entry.

With 5.9 million people attending Oktoberfest last year, that’s a lot of beer drinkers to keep safe!