regional customs
After a forced break of two years: Oktoberfest starts in Munich
People crowd at the Wiesn, in the middle is the “Bayern-Tower” ride, a giant chain carousel. photo
© Tobias Hase/dpa
The time has come: longingly desired by many, viewed with skepticism by others – the Oktoberfest will be celebrated in Munich for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.
Finally: The 187th Oktoberfest starts in Munich today after two years of the Corona compulsory break. Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) will tap the first keg of Wiesn beer at 12 noon, opening the world’s largest folk festival. As before, he will hand the first freshly tapped beer to Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) to toast a peaceful Wiesn with him – and maybe a healthy one too.
It is eagerly awaited how many blows the mayor will need when tapping. In the past years it was always two shots. He wants to do it again despite the long break. As in the past, he trained with a brewer once before.
Weather forecast rather poor
Ironically, at the time of tapping after the super summer, the temperatures will drop, it will be cold and wet. A maximum of eleven degrees are announced for Saturday. Even if large bags and rucksacks are prohibited for safety reasons, visitors are allowed to take umbrellas with them. The site is fenced again this year, and there are random controls at the entrances.
It is true that you can celebrate without Corona requirements. However, the danger has not been completely averted. The authorities warned visitors to take a test if they had cold symptoms and not to come to the festival sick to protect others. Doctors expect a corona wave after the Wiesn – like after other folk festivals. Nevertheless, many express themselves relaxed.
Corona pandemic in mind
“The total number of respiratory diseases is currently at the level of the pre-pandemic years,” says Christoph Spinner, the pandemic officer at the University Hospital Rechts der Isar of the TU Munich. He expects a two to threefold increase in the number of corona infections as a result of the Wiesn, but the clinics will not be overwhelmed. However, he advises people with an increased risk to refrain from visiting because of the risk of infection or at least to avoid the beer tents. “Of course, vulnerable groups in particular, such as immunosuppressed people, are still at risk of severe Covid 19 progression.”
Around 600 police officers ensure security beyond Corona on the 16 days of the festival. There are more video cameras – now a total of 54 – and more officers with body cams. The Aicher medical service takes care of the injured and guests who have drunk too much alcohol. For the first time, a mobile CT device is available at the Oktoberfest for quick diagnosis of injuries – there has never been such a device at a folk festival.
In the southern part of the festival area, the Oide Wiesn with its historical fairground rides and brass band music is more relaxed than the rest of the festival area. The Oktoberfest ends on October 3rd.