STORY: This year’s Oktoberfest started in Munich on Saturday – for the first time since 2019. The world’s largest beer festival ended its dry spell caused by the corona pandemic. With the traditional tapping of the beer keg by Munich’s Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter, the barley juice then flowed freely. “Yes, the tapping was mediocre. But after a three-year break, you just notice a lack of training and a headwind and everything else.” When the fairgrounds opened, thousands of people in dirndls and lederhosen flocked to the Theresienwiese. The organizers expect millions of visitors to come to Munich again this year, including tourists from all over the world. There are no corona requirements, Mayor Reiter had already promised at the beginning of the year. And the visitors are full of anticipation: “It’s awesome. I’ve been looking forward to it for a really long time. During the summer holidays we’ve also had a Wies’n evening, with traditional costumes. Now I’m just waiting for the beer and then everything will be fine.” “It’s great, after three years the Wiesn is finally back, we missed it.” “Everyone is open, it’s completely international, it’s fun, yes.” “It is a dream. Finally back in the tent after such a long absence. A dream.” The Oktoberfest ends next week on October 3rd.