Oktoberfest opened in Munich

Oktoberfest opened in Munich on Saturday under heightened security, with backpacks banned and a fence erected around the beer festival's grounds to ensure that all visitors are screened.

The new controls come as Germany remains on high alert since two Islamic State-claimed attacks in July, although Munich's police chief says authorities know of no specific threat against the event.

The two-week festival that is expected to attract 6 million people officially kicked off when Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter tapped the first keg of beer at 12 pm.

“Ozapft is!” exclaimed Dieter, the traditional Bavarian exhortation to begin the celebrations. The phrase loosely translates to “it's tapped.” (MTI)