Munich Oktoberfest canceled for second year in a row

This year again, the Germans will not be able to put on their best Bavarian shorts to go bang their frothy pints around long tables crowded with drunk tourists sweating the scent of blondes, brunettes and amber. Initially scheduled from September 18 to October 3 in Munich, Germany, the Oktoberfest is canceled for the second year in a row. A decision announced on Monday by the leader of the Land of Bavaria.

The health situation linked to the coronavirus epidemic remains too “uncertain” for the “most global gathering of all” to be held in the fall, Bavarian Minister-President Markus said at a press conference. Söder.

Health measures “impossible to implement”

“There is the risk that this creates chaotic conditions because in the classic beer tents, the distance, the mask and all the measures are practically impossible to implement”, justified the conservative leader. “Imagine there is a new wave and it (Oktoberfest) then becomes a super-contaminating event: the brand would be tarnished forever and we don’t want that,” added Markus Söder.

Despite a slight improvement in the health situation in Germany, bars, restaurants and cultural venues have remained closed for nearly six months. Gatherings, even outdoors, remain prohibited at this stage.

Already canceled in 1854 because of cholera

The Beer Festival, or “Oktoberfest”, normally brings together more than 5 million people, a third of whom come from abroad, particularly from Asia. It usually generates 1.2 billion euros in economic benefits. The cancellation in 2020 was the first since World War II. In 1854 and 1873, it had not taken place because of cholera epidemics.

The production of hops and beer is elevated to the rank of national cult in Germany and in particular in Bavaria. In 2018, the Germans drank 102 liters of beer per person, exceeded in quantity in Europe by the Austrians and Czechs alone.