Oktoberfest has begun: Dieter Reiter opened Munich’s world-famous beer festival

During the morning, the hosts of the beer festival’s beer tents and beer gardens marched out in long lines with carts and brewery wagons, while they were accompanied by brass bands, starting the folk festival with a colorful and spectacular parade. Thousands lined the streets to witness the parade, and when organizers opened the gates, visitors poured into the festival grounds, commonly known as the ‘Wiesn’.

Visitors to the Oktoberfest are coming in large numbers again this year: the organizers are expecting around six million guests for the festival, which lasts until October 6. Although 7.2 million visitors set a record last year at the extended 18-day celebration, similar numbers are predicted for this year.