One million visitors at the Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest has begun with the tapping of the first keg. Despite increased security measures, people are flocking to the Theresienwiese in droves.

Update from September 22nd, 4.40 p.m.: The Oktoberfest began on the first day with half a million visitors. According to estimates by the festival management, the situation will be similar on Sunday. That means one million guests on the first Wiesn weekend. That is more than ever. “From the organizer’s point of view, the first weekend of the Oktoberfest was a dream start,” the press office said. Around 525,000 visitors were there on Saturday, and around 475,000 on Sunday.

Conclusion after the first Oktoberfest weekend: We see an increasing trend

We report on a wonderfully relaxed meadow – and a growing trend towards non-alcoholic drinks. The showmen and market traders were delighted with the cheerful audience. There was a lot to do on the children’s carousels and rides. Last year, the festival management reported around 850,000 visitors on the first weekend, with perfect autumn weather and blue skies.

The Oktoberfest lasts 16 days and ends on October 6th. Last year, a total of 7.2 million guests came to the festival, which was extended to 18 days – according to the count by the city of Munich, the organizer, more than ever since statistics began in 1980.

First report from September 22nd, 7.45 a.m.: Munich – Munich is once again in a state of emergency: Oktoberfest has begun. Hundreds of thousands came on the first day. On the second day it could be full again.

Wiesn 2024 is open: perfect weather on the first day of Oktoberfest

After a brilliant start to the Oktoberfest, helped by bright sunshine and exuberant revelers, a large number of visitors are expected on Sunday. In the morning (10 a.m.) one of the largest traditional costume parades in the world will take place, leading through Munich to the Oktoberfest. Over 9,500 traditional costume wearers and riflemen will take part.

The Munich Kindl rides at the head of the parade. Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU), Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) and the director of the Oktoberfest, Clemens Baumgärtner (CSU), take part in festively decorated honorary carriages. Reiter ushered in the Oktoberfest on Saturday with the traditional tapping of the first barrel.

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Half a million people celebrate on the first day at Oktoberfest

According to initial estimates by the festival management, around half a million people came to the Theresienwiese on the first day of the Oktoberfest. On Saturday afternoon, the streets between the tents, stalls and rides were very crowded. The increased security measures following the presumably Islamist-motivated attack in Solingen did not seem to deter guests. For the first time, hand-held metal detectors will be used at the entrances. The police also plan to carry out more intensive checks on the site.