Not even the rain deterred hundreds of people in Munich from attending the official opening of Oktoberfest, the world’s most famous beer festival, which begins on Saturday and lasts for the next 18 days.
The annual tourist attraction in Munich is expected to attract six million visitors. On average, around six million liters of beer are consumed and the meat of more than 100 oxen and over 50 calves is eaten during the beer days.
“Oktoberfest is something you have to earn,” said Ryan as he waited in line in the rain with a group of friends who arrived with him from Canada.
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Most of the visitors gathered on Saturday were dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, including “dirndls” and lederhosen. In fear of terrorist attacks, German authorities have increased security measures, prohibiting the entry of backpacks and large bags into the fenced-off fairgrounds.
This year’s Oktoberfest will last until October 3, German Unity Day, which is celebrated in memory of the reunification of Germany in 1990.
